China expands visa-free travel to 5 Latin American nations after summit with regional bloc
China is expanding visa-free travel to five South American countries, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
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Starting from June 1, citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be allowed to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, family visits or business. The arrangements will be in force for one year.
'China will continue to pursue high-level opening-up and introduce more measures to further facilitate cross-border exchanges,' foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
'We also welcome more foreign friends to make full use of visa-free entry and streamlined visa policies – and to come to China to explore and see more, and experience the vibrancy, diversity and warmth of the country.'
The announcement followed a meeting of leaders from China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) in Beijing on Tuesday, where President Xi Jinping had pledged to expand visa-free access without naming the states in question.
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Xi described the visa exemptions as a 'first step', pledging to expand the policy in the region 'at proper time'.
In recent years Beijing has been increasing its economic and political cooperation with the 33-member bloc in an effort to challenge US influence in the region.
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