China’s visa-free opening prompts calls for broader policy shift, move seen to make economic sense
- After China unilaterally enacted a visa-free policy for several countries, specialists have called for broader policies as further shows of good faith
- Greater opening-up measures would shore up confidence and encourage investment in the country at a time when both are highly sought after
After China unilaterally announced visa-free entry for passport holders from several countries – generating an enthusiastic response from advocates of engagement – academics and analysts have joined the chorus encouraging Beijing to enact broader policies to reap further rewards.
Such an opening, they argued, would be important to revive confidence and trust amid ongoing efforts to stabilise its economic relations with Washington and Brussels, both prime destinations for Chinese goods and sources of much-needed technological know-how.
“It’s the kind of progress that won’t lift confidence overnight, but will bring benefits in the long run,” said Zhu Tian, a professor at the China Europe International Business School in Shanghai.
We can show goodwill and do our part to make exchanges easier
Yan Shaohua, a researcher with Fudan University’s school of international studies, encouraged authorities to adopt a case-by-case approach and consider further opening to foreign firms in agriculture, aviation, payment processing and telecoms services.