China’s Visa-Free Deals with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore could Trigger ASEAN Trade, Investment Boost

Picture: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters/File Photo

In an article by South China Morning Post, Kandy Wong and Ralph Jennings write China’s intention in expanding influence in Southeast Asia, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc being its largest trading partner.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the "upgrade" of the bilateral relationship at the start of January, with Thai businesses anticipating more Chinese tourists, increased exports of rice and durian and additional China-invested factories.

Many Malaysians, he added, would also look forward to seeing more inbound Chinese tourists, merchants and property buyers. Singapore and China also confirmed in December that they would put in place a mutual visa exemption agreement in early 2024.

On Thursday, China also issued a basket of new policies to further relax entry and visa procedures, including transit rules and extensions of stay for foreign nationals in a bid to draw more overseas visitors and restore people-to-people exchanges as part of its post-pandemic recovery efforts.