China
Foreign Tourist Groups on Cruise Ships Fully Permitted Visa-Free Entry in China
China will allow visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise ship at 13 ports along the coast, starting May 15, 2024. Visitors must stay with the same ship and in permitted areas for up to 15 days. This policy aims to boost tourism and facilitate high-quality development in the cruise industry.
China’s immigration agency announced that it will grant a visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups to enter China by cruise at all cruise ports along the coast of China, starting May 15, 2024. The tourist group must remain with the same cruise ship until its next port of call and stay within permitted areas for no more than 15 days.
Effective May 15, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has officially implemented a visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via cruise ships. This progressive move aims to enhance personnel exchanges and foster cooperation between China and other nations, furthering the country’s commitment to high-level openness.
Under this policy, foreign tourist groups, comprising two or more individuals, who travel by cruise ship and are organized by Chinese domestic travel agencies, can now enjoy visa-free entry as a cohesive group at cruise ports in 13 cities along the Chinese coast.
The tourist group must remain with the same cruise ship until its next port of call and stay within China for no more than 15 days. The eligible areas for this policy are coastal provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and Beijing.
Furthermore, to support cruise tourism development, seven additional cruise ports—Dalian, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beihai—have been included as applicable ports for visa-free transit.
The recent implementation of the visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via cruise ships is poised to have several significant effects. The policy will provide crucial support for the cruise economy and the overall cruise industry. By facilitating smoother travel for foreign tourist groups, it acts as a catalyst for high-quality development in this sector.
Additionally, under this policy, international cruise companies can strategically plan their global routes by designating Chinese port cities, such as Shanghai, Xiamen, and Shenzhen, as docking destinations. This move is expected to attract more cruise ships to Chinese ports, ultimately bringing in a larger number of international visitors to the Chinese market.
This article is republished from China Briefing. Read the rest of the original article.
China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at china@dezshira.com.
Business
Previously Unseen Photos of Joe and Hunter Biden in China Spark New Questions About Son’s Business Ventures for the President
Unseen photos of Joe and Hunter Biden with Chinese leaders have intensified scrutiny on Hunter. Joe recently pardoned Hunter for past gun and tax fraud charges, igniting controversy over their business dealings.
New Photos Stir Controversy
Previously unseen photographs of Joe and Hunter Biden meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Hunter’s business associates, have reignited scrutiny around the First Son. This visual evidence coincides with ongoing controversies surrounding Hunter’s business dealings following President Biden’s recent blanket pardon for his son on gun and tax fraud charges dating back to 2013.
Business Connections Revealed
The snapshots, sourced from the National Archives, depict Joe Biden engaging in discussions during his vice presidency, including introducing Hunter to prominent figures like then-vice president Li Yuanchao and business executives from BHR Partners. Hunter Biden, who co-founded the private equity firm BHR, has faced criticism concerning his financial ties to Chinese companies.
Biden’s Defense and Future Implications
In light of these revelations, the President has reiterated that he never engaged in business discussions with Hunter. However, the photos have fueled allegations previously brought forth during impeachment inquiries, prompting mixed reactions from political opponents and supporters. Hunter’s recent pardon, which extends to potential future charges, raises questions about the implications for his past dealings.
China
China and India Foster Trust on the Road to Reconciliation
On October 23, 2024, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi endorsed troop withdrawals along their disputed border, signaling a shift toward normalcy in China-India relations influenced by economic pressures and pragmatic leadership.
Recent Diplomatic Progress
On 23 October 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia. This marked their first delegate-level meeting in five years, during which they reaffirmed an agreement to disengage their militaries along the disputed border. Within a week, both nations initiated troop withdrawals, effectively restoring the status quo to its pre-2020 conditions.
Historical Context of Tensions
The border dispute between China and India, which dates back to colonial times, has led to significant hostilities, including a war in 1962. Both countries have maintained distinct perspectives on the boundary, prompting occasional escalations. Recent tensions have largely arisen from the rise of nationalist leaders and the shifting landscape of international politics, which have intensified the rivalry between the two nations.
Implications for Global Relations
The Xi–Modi meeting drew international attention due to its potential impact on regional dynamics. While some analysts view the disengagement as a positive step for bilateral relations, others suggest it is merely a tactical pause rather than a strategic shift. The outcome of this development remains critical to understanding the interplay between China, India, and the broader global geopolitical landscape.
Source : China and India rebuild trust on the path to reconciliation
Business
Nigeria and China Revive Currency Swap Agreement – Guardian Nigeria
Nigeria and China have renewed their currency swap deal, enhancing economic cooperation and facilitating trade between the two nations, as reported by Guardian Nigeria.
Currency Swap Deal Renewed
Nigeria and China have officially renewed their currency swap agreement, which is vital for strengthening economic ties between the two nations. This deal is designed to enhance trade relations, making transactions more efficient and less vulnerable to fluctuations in foreign exchange markets.
Benefits for Both Nations
The renewed agreement allows both countries to conduct trade using their local currencies, thereby reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar. This initiative is expected to foster economic stability and boost bilateral trade, benefiting businesses on both sides significantly.
Future Prospects
As the agreement takes effect, it is anticipated that Nigeria will experience easier access to Chinese goods and investments. This partnership not only promises immediate economic advantages but also signals a long-term commitment to closer collaboration between Nigeria and China, paving the way for future developments in trade and infrastructure.
Source : Nigeria, China renew currency swap deal – Guardian Nigeria
- Previously Unseen Photos of Joe and Hunter Biden in China Spark New Questions About Son’s Business Ventures for the President
- China and India Foster Trust on the Road to Reconciliation
- Nigeria and China Revive Currency Swap Agreement – Guardian Nigeria
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