China is trying something new to welcome visitors! From December 1st of this year until November 30th of the next, citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can visit China without needing a visa. This means people from these countries can stay in China for up to 15 days for leisure, business, or family visits.
A visa is an official document that allows the bearer to legally enter a foreign country. Visa-free travel is applicable if the two countries in question have an agreement for the same or if the country one is visiting has unilaterally opened its borders to foreign nationals.
The goal behind this change, according to spokeswoman Mao Ning, is to help "promote China's high-quality development and opening up". China wants to make it easier for people from these countries to visit and experience what China has to offer.
Some countries, like Singapore and Brunei, were already exempt from needing a visa to enter China for short stays.
This new move comes as China wants to show a friendlier face to the world. In the past, China had disagreements with many Western nations, including some European countries, on various topics like COVID-19, human rights, Taiwan, and trade practices.
A recent Pew Research Center survey in 24 countries revealed that views of China were broadly negative, with 67% of adults expressing unfavourable views. More than half of the people surveyed said China interferes in other countries' affairs and doesn't think about what's best for others.
