In March 2016, the Chinese club and the KHL signed a protocol of intent to have a Chinese-based team enter the KHL. The protocol was signed by the representative from the Ice Hockey Federation of Russia Vladislav Tretiak, the chairman of the KHL Gennady Timchenko and the board of Red Star Kunlun. In mid-April, the President of IIHF (René Fasel) shared his opinion about the intention of the Chinese club to join the KHL. He expressed hope that this will help China to bring their hockey to a higher level.