China will temporarily exempt citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from the need for visas to visit the country after the COVID difficulties – CGTN reports.
This means that from 1 December this year to 30 November 2024, citizens of the above countries entering China for business, tourism, to visit relatives and friends or in transit for a period not exceeding 15 days will not need a visa.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said when asked about China’s view of its relationship with Europe: “China’s position is clear, we will adhere to our support of Europe’s strategic autonomy,” adding that China “will listen to the voices of European businesses.”
European leaders reacted positively to the decision, with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna calling the announcement “excellent” and German Ambassador to China Patricia Flor saying the following: “This decision will facilitate travel to China for many German citizens to an unprecedented extent. We hope the Chinese government will implement the measures announced today for all EU member states.”
In October, the Chinese aviation authority said it expected 16,680 weekly flights between November and March.
The European Chamber of Commerce in China said the move would boost business confidence:
It is a positive that the authorities are taking steps to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Europe and China should work together and urged EU member states not to be afraid to work with China because of competition.
Wang also assured that China maintains normal friendly relations with all countries and does not want problems to arise because of “the uncertainty brought by broad politicization.”
We believe that as long as as China and Europe join hands, there will be no camp confrontation, there will be no world divisions and there will be no new Cold War.
