Weekend Long Read: There’s More Than Meets the Eye to China’s Visa Exemptions

On Nov. 24, China announced the trial expansion of its visa-free entry policy for ordinary passport holders to include six more countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. This not only demonstrates a commitment to further opening up, but it is also a significant boon to China’s tourism market and broader economy.

But while visa exemptions are a good start, there is more that can be done. If further hassles for foreigners visiting China — such as payments and internet access — can be addressed, and tourism promotion strengthened, the number of visitors to China could increase substantially. This would not only bring considerable foreign exchange earnings and enhance China’s international image but also bolster the technological innovation and international competitiveness of the Chinese economy.