China launches ‘ASEAN Visa’ to boost regional connectivity and cooperation

China has officially launched an ‘ASEAN Visa’ for the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and observer nation Timor-Leste, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday. The move is part of China’s broader efforts to promote cross-border travel and regional integration.

At a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced that the new visa policy will apply to business personnel from the 11 countries, as well as their spouses and children, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Long-term stay, multiple entry

The ASEAN Visa will allow multiple entries over a period of five years, with each stay permitted for up to 180 days. According to Lin, the new visa builds on existing mutual visa exemption arrangements with countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, and complements the previously issued “Lancang-Mekong Visa” that facilitated travel among Mekong River nations.

“This initiative further enhances the convenience of cross-border movement within the region,” Lin said.

Strengthening China-ASEAN ties

Lin emphasised that the launch of the ASEAN Visa aligns with the ongoing efforts to build a “China-ASEAN community with a shared future.” He cited tangible progress in fostering regional peace, prosperity, environmental harmony, and friendship, underscoring the frequent exchanges between China and Southeast Asian countries.

“Further facilitating personnel exchanges is a common aspiration for both China and its Southeast Asian partners,” he added.

Visa-free expansion continues

The ASEAN Visa announcement follows China's recent implementation of a trial policy granting unilateral visa-free entry to five Latin American countries — Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay — as of June 1. In addition, China has extended visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

According to Lin, this is the first time such access has been provided to nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing the total number of countries eligible for visa-free entry into China to 43.

Economic impact and forward vision

Highlighting the growing openness, Lin stated that over 9 million foreigners entered China in the first quarter of 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 40 per cent. Furthermore, over 18,000 foreign-invested enterprises were established in the first four months, a 12.1 per cent rise compared to the previous year.

“China will continue to optimise entry policies, expand visa-free coverage, and offer more convenient services,” Lin concluded. “We aim to promote shared prosperity through greater openness and deeper international cooperation.”