In a landmark diplomatic and financial transfer, China has formally launched its new “ASEAN Visa” program—a strong gesture of friendship and future-oriented integration for the ten ASEAN international locations and observer state Timor-Leste. The announcement was made throughout a press briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on June 3, 2025.
What is the New “ASEAN Visa”?
The newly rolled-out “ASEAN Visa” is a multi-entry visa legitimate for 5 (05) years, particularly designed for enterprise personnel, their spouses and kids from:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Timor-Leste (ASEAN observer)
The Highlights:
More Than a Visa — A Vision of Regional Unity
The launch of the ASEAN Visa builds upon China’s present mutual visa exemption agreements with Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and enhances the Lancang-Mekong Visa initiative for Mekong-region cooperation.
“The ASEAN visa reflects China’s commitment to creating a shared future with ASEAN countries, emphasizing regional peace, prosperity, and environmental beauty,” — Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Beyond ASEAN: China’s Expanding Visa-Free Diplomacy
Just days prior, on June 1, 2025, China granted unilateral visa-free entry to residents of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. It has additionally welcomed all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) international locations into its visa-free coverage framework.
With these new additions, 43 international locations now take pleasure in unilateral visa-free entry to China, signaling the nation’s unprecedented openness and strategic diplomatic outreach.
Economic Pulse: China’s Opening Pays Off
The outcomes of China’s open-door coverage are already evident:
-
- 9 million+ foreigners entered China in Q1 2025 — up 40% 12 months-on-12 months
- Over 18,000 new international-invested corporations established between January and April 2025 — a 12.1% enhance
These numbers underscore China’s clear intent: to foster international partnerships by means of mobility, funding, and cross-cultural alternate.
What’s Next?
Spokesperson Lin confirmed that China plans to additional increase the listing of visa-free international locations and proceed refining entry facilitation programs to make China a international hub for enterprise, journey, and collaboration.
“More foreign friends will be able to experience China’s modern infrastructure, reliable services, and limitless cooperation potential,” Lin emphasised.
References
China Unveils 5-Years ‘ASEAN Visa’ With 180-Day Stay for 11 Southeast Asian Nations FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
