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Foreigners in China

Foreigners in China
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Foreigners in China. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A man walks past posters advertising Japanese restaurants at a shopping mall in Shanghai. Tensions between China and Japan remain high amid a dispute over Taiwan. Photo: Reuters
China-Japan relations

‘We’ve been careful’: Japanese firms in China stay calm amid political storm

Japanese businesses in China are under pressure amid a diplomatic row over Taiwan, but they have dealt with political tensions for years.

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US-China relations

China pledges ‘immigration system for hi-tech talent’ under new 5-year plan

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China’s private sector

‘Quantity to quality’: what China’s next 5-year plan means for foreign investors

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Science

China embraces tech talent as Trump closes door

Chinese leaders have added a new visa for technology graduates and welcomed experienced researchers returning from the US, in contrast to the Trump administration’s immigration clampdown.

Photo: Shutterstock Images
Mainland China

Critics take aim at China’s new K visa for foreign STEM talent

Online commenters raise concerns about the programme’s impact on local employment in a tight job market.

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China-EU relations

Why younger Europeans can see their futures in China, despite the obstacles

As China ramps up its search for foreign tech expertise, a new generation of talent finds its perspectives on the country are changing.

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Singapore

Will China’s new visa targeting STEM talents give it an edge over the world?

K visa meant to help young foreigners find their professional footing can only succeed with effective policy support, analysts say.

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Taking effect on October 1, China’s K-type visa category will offer greater flexibility and fewer barriers to global professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Photo: Shutterstock
China’s private sector

China’s top court showcases how landmark private sector law is being enforced

The highlighted cases mainly focus on disputes between private and state-backed firms – and come as Beijing seeks to shore up its economy.

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Hong Kong economy

Imported workers ‘lifeline’ for struggling Hong Kong restaurants: trade chiefs

Industry associations also dismiss accusations that restaurant operators are using importation scheme to hire cheap labour.

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China travel

China’s visa-free policy pays dividends as overseas entries soar in 2025

China’s major cities have reported enormous increases in visitors from abroad, many entering under a popular visa exemption scheme.

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An expanded visa-free entry policy has provided a much-needed boost to China’s overseas tourism. Photo: Xinhua
China travel

China expands visa-free entry

Passport holders from 46 countries can visit China for 30 days visa-free under Beijing’s loosened entry policy.

Tourists visit the Great Wall of China. Photo: Reuters
China-Middle East relations

China offers visa-free travel to 4 Gulf countries following landmark meeting

Passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain will be allowed to stay for up to 30 days under year-long trial policy.

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Artificial intelligence

Expat talent in the picture as Xi Jinping visits Shanghai AI hub

Entrepreneur Hamza Boukili was among the welcoming party for Xi’s first inspection trip since the revival of the US-China tariff war.

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United States

US influencer IShowSpeed’s view of China makes him accidental ambassador

The 20-year-old’s live streaming videos of his tour of Chinese cities win praise from analysts and government officials.

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Analysts in China said influencers like Darren Watkins Jnr, 20, could inspire more foreigners to visit the country. Photo: YouTube/IShowSpeed
China's economic recovery

Could China become an attractive retirement home for foreigners?

A retiree visa could boost the economy and improve the elderly care industry, according to proposal.

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The proposal said it might boost culutral understanding. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

China hails US YouTube star who had 10 million views on Beijing, Shanghai

Influencer is seen praising the people who greeted him enthusiastically, clean streets and internet connectivity on the subway.

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China trade

80 global executives to gather in Beijing for key annual summit

The attendees include leaders of more than a dozen US corporations, including Apple CEO Tim Cook.

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China property

China’s high-end rental market struggles post-Covid amid dwindling expats, firms

Rents in upmarket districts of Beijing and Shanghai slumped by as much as 17 per cent year on year in February, Beike says.

Rents of high-end residential flats in Beijing have been trending lower for some time. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong puts Islamic finance experts, accountants on immigration fast track

Labour and Welfare Bureau adds nine professions to talent list, which now covers 60 types of jobs city needs most to foster economy.

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China’s economic stimulus

Foreign investment in China is falling. Can a new action plan turn it around?

China has approved a new plan to attract overseas investors, after recording its steepest drop in foreign direct investment since the 2008 financial crash last year.

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Asean

China grants Asean tour groups visa-free access to Yunnan travel hub

Tourists from Southeast Asian bloc countries may visit Xishuangbanna – known for ethnic minority cultures – for up to six days.

Tourists visit a night fair in the southwestern Chinese city of Jinghong in Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture in February 2023. Photo: Xinhua
Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong may require minimum stay to obtain ‘local student’ university status

Minister says she will take reference from overseas as government responds to claims of talent schemes being abused to secure cheaper tuition.

Students who first received dependant visas or entry permits when they were under 18 years old are considered local under the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (Jupas). Photo: Photo: Handout

Visa-free trips to China double in 2024 as 20 million foreigners visit

Visa-free visitor numbers up 112 per cent from 2023, immigration body says, a day after China’s cabinet vows to ‘optimise’ travel policy.

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Education in Hong Kong

Education University of Hong Kong puts non-local students on notice over visas

University finds more than 900 students from outside city failed to submit visa information as required.

China travel

Shanghai draws S Koreans in droves as China’s visa-free entry entices travellers

Even some less-visited places around Shanghai are gaining popularity, but the language barrier, pollution and internet censorship may still deter some visits.

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A South Korean tourist takes photos at Yuyuan Garden Mall in China’s Shanghai on Christmas Day. Photo: Xinhua
China economy

China’s bid to bring back foreign visitors is bearing fruit, but is it enough?

Visitor numbers are well down on pre-Covid levels despite a string of measures, including the offer of visa-free access.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China economy

My Take | China’s extended visa-free tourist stays drive momentum for opening

Its latest foreign-visitor policy shows that China is willing to be pragmatic, rather than adhering strictly to ideologies.

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Mainland China

China offers 10-day visa-free transit for international travellers

Visa-free extension of stay, which has been open to 54 countries since November 2023, takes effect immediately.

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