Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang answers questions at a press conference on June 24, 2015. (Photo/fmprc.gov.cn)
(ECNS) -- China has signed visa exemption agreements with 99 countries, making it much easier for Chinese passport holders to travel abroad, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang at a press conference on Tuesday.
Lu made the remarks following the news that the UK and Belgium announced to provide Chinese citizens with one-stop visa service in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, starting from July 1.
"We have noticed the measures announced by the UK and Belgium. These measures, as we believe, will not only facilitate visa application by Chinese citizens but also play a positive role in promoting bilateral exchanges and mutual understanding between our peoples," the spokesman said.
The number of Chinese citizens travelling overseas in recent years has increased dramatically. Citizens from Chinese mainland made more than 100 million overseas visits last year. Under the CPC Central Committee's guiding principle of governing for the people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by stepping up its efforts, has made great progress in visa facilitation and has delivered more benefits to the general public, according to the ministry.
Last year, China and the U.S. announced reciprocal visa arrangements for business people, tourists and students. This year in the first five months alone, the number of Chinese business people and tourists travelling to the U.S. has increased by 31 percent over the same period last year.
China has so far signed visa exemption agreements for various passports with 99 countries and 59 visa simplification agreements or arrangements with 37 countries. In addition, 36 countries and regions have granted unilateral visa-on-arrival policies to Chinese citizens and another 11 countries and regions have unilaterally allowed Chinese citizens to visit without a visa. It has become much easier for Chinese passport holders to travel abroad, Lu said.
The Chinese government and the Foreign Ministry are working to make Chinese citizens' outbound trips not only easier but also safe and trouble-free. We will further intensify our consultation with relevant countries to promote visa facilitation and provide overseas Chinese with timely, efficient and high-quality consular protection and assistance so that they can enjoy a "fast-track" and smooth trips.
