On August 4, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Iceland He Rulong wrote an article titled “The Best Gift for the 55th Anniversary of China-Iceland Relations” in Iceland's leading newspaper Morgunblaðið. The article highlighted the significance of direct flights between China and Iceland in deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture and tourism.

The article mentioned that the direct flights between China and Iceland have only become materialized following a successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Halla Tómasdóttir last October in Beijing. The inaugural direct flight on October 26 this year marks a major milestone in the development of bilateral relations. It will further deepen economic cooperation and trade, in addition to facilitating cultural exchanges and people-to-people understanding between the two countries. Icelandic friends are warmly welcomed to make full use of the 30-day visa-free entry policy and the direct flight to visit China.

The article emphasized that despite of the differences in size and population, China and Iceland have nurtured an equal, sincere and friendly relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971. As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of our bilateral relations, the direct flight is the best gift for a friendship that will surely last for centuries to come.