Reference News Network, July 28 report: The U.S. Foreign Policy website published an article on July 25, pointing out that China's "visa-free diplomacy" demonstrates a new open posture. The author is Gulam Ali. The following is the translated content:
China has long implemented strict visa policies, but now it has made a notable adjustment - implementing visa-free entry policies for holders of ordinary passports from dozens of countries.
China's visa-free diplomacy reflects its broader soft power strategy, aimed at enhancing its international image by strengthening cultural exchanges. At the same time, more and more countries are also implementing visa-free or simplified visa procedures for Chinese citizens, reflecting a two-way trend.
Along with these policy changes, China has taken a series of supporting measures to promote international tourism: setting up multilingual signs at major attractions, improving tourism services, increasing publicity efforts, and signing tourism cooperation agreements. In addition, upgrades in infrastructure and the popularity of digital translation tools have made China a more popular tourist destination.
Data from the China National Immigration Administration shows that in the first half of 2025, the number of foreign entries and exits exceeded 38 million, an increase of 30% year-on-year. Among them, the number of foreigners entering China visa-free reached 13.64 million, an increase of 53.9% year-on-year.
The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that in 2025, China's tourism industry will contribute 1.37 trillion yuan to the national economy, which is more than 10% higher than before the pandemic. The industry will also provide tens of millions of jobs.
China has introduced several measures aimed at encouraging tourists to spend. Relevant departments have optimized the exit tax refund service, promoted more shops to become tax refund stores, and expanded the range of tax refund goods. To address challenges faced by foreign tourists when making payments, China has expanded payment channels, allowing more overseas bank cards to be linked to WeChat Pay and Alipay, two widely used digital payment tools in China. These measures further attract foreign tourists to shop in China.
Currently, China's visa policy is the most relaxed in years, indicating a shift in its image. Notably, while China is opening its doors to other countries, the United States is implementing stricter visa regulations, including direct entry bans for citizens of certain countries.
Relaxing visa requirements may support China's diplomatic efforts, especially in promoting cultural exchanges and showcasing its rich cultural heritage, while also bringing economic benefits. China's new open attitude towards foreign tourists is expected to have a significant impact on China's overall international image. (Translated by Qing Songzhu)
On July 21, three French tourists were selecting snack products in a store in Shanghai's Tianzi Fang. (Xinhua News Agency)
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