Frequent visits between the people of China and Southeast Asian countries a mutual hope: FM

(ECNS) -- To further facilitate cross-border travels in the region, on top of the visa-free arrangement between China and countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia and China’s “Lancang-Mekong visas” program for Mekong countries, China has rolled out an “ASEAN visa” for ASEAN’s 10 member states and observer Timor-Leste, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Lin said this new program offers five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible applicants visiting China for business purpose and their spouses and children, granting a maximum stay of 180 days. “For anyone with more specific questions on visas to China, they are welcome to contact our diplomatic and consular missions in their countries,” he said.

In recent years, China and ASEAN have advanced the building of a community with a shared future and made important progress in building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, Lin said.

“Visits between the people of China and Southeast Asian countries have been frequent. There is a mutual hope to further ease travel between the two sides,” he added.