On November 24, 2023 China declared its decision to allow visa-free entry for citizens of five European countries, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. This aims to reignite international tourism and business exchanges after nearly three years of strict pandemic measures that included quarantines for all arrivals.
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Beginning December 1, citizens from these nations can enjoy up to 15 days in China without the need for a visa.
The trial program set to last for one year is an initiative to encourage high-quality development in personnel exchanges and enhance its openness to the global community.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a daily briefing, highlighted the objective of facilitating both Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges.
China’s strict pandemic measures had an impact on international travel, dissuading tourists and business travelers alike.
The lifting of these restrictions earlier in the year did not immediately result in a rebound to pre-pandemic levels of travel. The visa-free entry initiative signals China’s eagerness to revitalize its tourism sector.
China had previously allowed citizens of Brunei, Japan, and Singapore to enter without a visa, but these privileges were suspended in the time of COVID-19 outbreak.
While visa-free entry was reinstated for Brunei and Singapore in July, Japan remains excluded from the current arrangement. This aligns with China’s cautious approach to international travel amid ongoing global uncertainties.
In the first six months of the year China recorded 8.4 million entries and exits by foreigners, a contrast to the 977 million recorded in 2019, the year preceding the pandemic.
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The numbers underline the challenges faced by the global travel industry and for nations, including China, to adapt policies to stimulate tourism.
The announcement received positive responses from various quarters, including foreign dignitaries and business entities.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who was in Beijing for talks, welcomed the decision by revealing France’s decision to allow Chinese students earning master’s degrees to stay in the country for an additional five years.
This gesture aims to foster educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China expressed optimism about the expansion of visa-free access to more European nations.
In a statement, it said that the move is as tangible and practical improvement that is expected to boost business collaboration.
China’s pursuit of foreign investment to invigorate its sluggish economy has been a driver behind its efforts to attract international business travelers.
Figures such as Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook have participated in trade fairs and meetings in China, signaling the country’s importance on the global economic stage.
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While the business aspect is crucial the focus on tourism is evident in China’s efforts to create a more welcoming environment for international visitors.
The visa-free entry initiative is to make China an attractive destination for leisure travelers from the five European nations and Malaysia.
The government to revive the tourism sector is evident in its ongoing measures, including the restoration of international flight routes.
A recent Pew Research Center survey across 24 countries revealed negative views of China, with 67% expressing unfavorable opinions.
More than half of the respondents believed that China interfered in the affairs of other countries without considering their interests.
The visa-free entry initiative could contribute to reshaping these perceptions by fostering direct interactions.
The hope by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China for more European nations to be granted visa-free access indicates an interest in smoother international exchanges.
The extension of such privileges to other EU member states would further strengthen diplomatic ties and economic cooperation.
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