China signs visa pacts with Thailand, Singapore
Beijing’s latest exemption policies expected to boost people-to-people exchanges, tourism
Beijing has signed agreements with Thailand and Singapore for mutual visa exemptions, in a move expected to boost people-to-people exchanges, tourism and other ties between China and the Southeast Asian nations.
The policy between China and Thailand will start on March 1 for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs.
China and Singapore’s agreement on mutual visa exemption, which was signed in Beijing on Jan 25, allows the holders of ordinary passports stays of up to 30 days.
The visa exemption for tourists, business travelers, and visiting family members will take effect on Feb 9, the eve of the Chinese New Year.
The agreement with Thailand was a major outcome during the first meeting of a consultation mechanism between the Thai and Chinese foreign ministers, held in Bangkok on Jan 28.
At a news conference in the Thai capital, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said: “It’s important that peoples from the two countries have forged closer friendships and stronger bonds, and are now embracing a better life.”
There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, Wang said. “We also welcome friends from Thailand to feel the vitality and vibrancy of China and the hospitality of the Chinese people.”
At the news conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said the visa-free agreement is a symbol of long-lasting Sino-Thai friendship, trust, and confidence, which is evidenced at every level.
“The meeting is a significant step in our cooperation, held at the level of foreign ministers of both countries, and we have agreed to alternately host at least once every year,” he said.
“I am certain that travel between our two peoples, whether for tourism or business, will become more convenient, and help to stimulate the tourism industry in both countries.”
As 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, Wang said China highly commends China-Thailand friendship and mutual trust. The bilateral relationship between the two countries has withstood the test of the changing international landscape and grown from strength to strength, he said.
“China always sees Thailand as a priority in its diplomacy with neighboring countries, and supports Thailand in following a development path that suits its national conditions,” Wang stressed.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news conference that the agreement with Singapore is “a Chinese New Year gift for people of both countries”.
“The agreement will surely further enhance people-to-people exchanges between China and Singapore, and promote the progress of bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields,” Wang Wenbin said.
Singapore has gained increasing popularity among Chinese tourists for the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, according to Chinese online travel agency Ctrip.
According to Ctrip, bookings for people traveling from China to Singapore during the Spring Festival holiday saw a 14-fold increase yearon-year by Jan 24.
Malaysia and China granted visafree entry to each other’s citizens in December.
In mid-January, China said it would offer unilateral visa-free entry for people holding the passports of Ireland and Switzerland.
Wu Xi, head of the Department of Consular Affairs of China’s Foreign Ministry, said China has shown its resolve to promote the high-level opening-up by adopting a series of measures to facilitate cross-border travel.
“We welcome friends from countries across the world to come to China for travel, business, investment, and study,” Wu told China Media Group. China has enjoyed comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 22 countries, including the Maldives and Kazakhstan.