KUALA LUMPUR (May 8): China has extended the visa-free policy for short-term visits to China for Malaysia and 11 other countries until the end of 2025, Xinhua reported, citing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

The extension aims to “promote exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals”, Lin was reported as saying by China’s state news agency. The policy was also extended to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, he said.

Citizens of 12 countries with ordinary passports will be allowed to enter and stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit, Lin reportedly said.

In November, Malaysia removed visa requirements for Chinese travellers from Dec 1, 2023 to reciprocate China’s earlier move ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.

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