China will temporarily grant visa-free entry to citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia in a new attempt to boost tourism and revive its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, citizens of these countries entering China for a period of no more than 15 days for business and tourism purposes will not need a visa to visit relatives and friends or transit,
Details
China has recently taken steps, including reopening international air routes, to revive its tourism sector after three years of strict COVID-19 measures that have largely closed its borders to the outside world.
The government is also seeking to repair its image in the world after falling out with many Western countries over a variety of issues, including COVID, human rights, Taiwan, and trade.
Coronavirus test requirements for those entering the People's Republic of China were lifted in August.
In November, Beijing added Norway to the list of 54 countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free transit through China.
Addendum
A recent Pew Research Center survey of 24 countries found that views of China were generally negative: 67% of respondents expressed negative views. Most of the respondents said that China interfered in the affairs of other countries without taking their interests into account.
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