China has announced a visa-free travel policy for citizens of five South American countries, a move welcomed by regional experts as a significant step to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the regions. Beginning June 1, travelers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be allowed to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
This one-year pilot program reflects China’s ongoing efforts to deepen people-to-people and economic ties with South America. Jorge Heine, former Chilean Cabinet minister and ambassador to China, described the new policy as a “powerful message” signaling China’s openness to business and international engagement. He noted that the visa exemption will likely enhance China’s soft power in Latin America, where interest in Chinese culture remains strong.
Several of the five countries are already participants in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and have experienced a surge in trade and investment from China over the past decade. Francisco Urdinez, associate professor of political science at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, highlighted the policy’s potential to encourage tourism and business, stating it streamlines travel for individuals interested in exploring China and facilitates attendance at trade fairs and business visits.
Carlos Aquino, a Peruvian economist, emphasized that the visa exemption builds upon years of increasing ties between China and South America. He pointed out that trade, investment, tourism, and educational exchanges have all grown steadily. Aquino also mentioned recent infrastructure projects, such as the opening of the Port of Chancay in Peru, which will enhance direct maritime links between South America and China, lowering costs and improving the speed of goods transport.
The visa-free policy stands in contrast to tightening travel restrictions by other countries, notably the United States. Aquino said that China’s move sends a clear message of openness and cooperation. Monica Hirst, an international politics consultant and coordinator for Brazil at the Latin American Conversation, described the policy as an important step but urged for complementary institutional programs to maximize its effectiveness in education, culture, and business exchanges.
China’s visa-free initiative is expected to foster closer regional cooperation and expand opportunities for mutual growth, reflecting the growing importance of South America in China’s global engagement strategy.
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