In an effort to determine the links between the two countries, 40 journalists from China and Russia set off from Beijing Tuesday on a 16,000-kilometer road journey to Moscow. 
   
"This journey will be a long march carrying forward the China-Russia friendship," Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said at the farewell ceremony.
   
The journalists represent major media organizations including China Radio International, China Central Television, Xinhua News Agency, Itar-Tass, Russian First Channel, the Russian News and Information Agency and the Voice of Russia.
   
Traveling in 13 off-road vehicles, they'll pass through more than 20 cities before finally reaching Red Square in Moscow in approximately 45 days.
   
The journalists will file reports on their progress, the changes Russia has experienced in recent years and describe the friendship between the two countries. 
   
"These reports will help deepen the mutual understanding between the peoples and contribute to the development of China-Russia relations," Tang said.
   
This media adventure, an important element of the Year of Russia in China, is the first of its kind.
   
Russian Minister-Counsellor in China Igor Morgulov said at the start ceremony, "This journey of friendship will help Chinese people know more about Russia's development."
   
Wang Gengnian, president of event organizer China Radio International, said the trip was also a journey of discovery of present-day Russia.

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2006)