China introduces special visa for ASEAN countries to simplify cross-border travel

China has officially introduced a new visa called the "ASEAN visa" for citizens of the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the observer, Timor-Leste. This was announced by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular press conference, according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.

The diplomat specified that the new visa category will be available to businesspeople from 11 countries, as well as their family members – spouses and children – if they meet the requirements. The document will grant multiple entries over a period of five years and allow stays of up to 180 days per trip.

According to Lin, the introduction of the "ASEAN visa" is based on existing agreements on mutual visa abolition with a number of countries in the region, including Thailand and Malaysia.

The Foreign Ministry representative also noted the high level of exchanges between China and Southeast Asian countries, emphasising that further facilitation of cross-border travel is a common goal of the parties.