In a landmark diplomatic and economic move, China has officially launched its new “ASEAN Visa” program—a powerful gesture of friendship and future-oriented integration for the 10 ASEAN countries and observer state Timor-Leste. The announcement was made during 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 valid for five (05) years, specifically designed for business personnel, their spouses and children from:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Timor-Leste (ASEAN observer)
The Highlights:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 5 years with multiple entries |
| ⏱️ Duration of Each Stay | Maximum 180 days per entry |
| Eligible Dependents | Includes spouses and children of business travelers |
More Than a Visa — A Vision of Regional Unity
The launch of the ASEAN Visa builds upon China’s existing mutual visa exemption agreements with Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and complements 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 access to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. It has also welcomed all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries into its visa-free policy framework.
With these new additions, 43 countries now enjoy unilateral visa-free access to China, signaling the country’s unprecedented openness and strategic diplomatic outreach.
Economic Pulse: China’s Opening Pays Off
The results of China’s open-door policy are already evident:
-
- 9 million+ foreigners entered China in Q1 2025 — up 40% year-on-year
- Over 18,000 new foreign-invested companies established between January and April 2025 — a 12.1% increase
These numbers underscore China’s clear intent: to foster global partnerships through mobility, investment, and cross-cultural exchange.
What’s Next?
Spokesperson Lin confirmed that China plans to further expand the list of visa-free countries and continue refining entry facilitation systems to make China a global hub for business, travel, and collaboration.
“More foreign friends will be able to experience China’s modern infrastructure, reliable services, and limitless cooperation potential,” Lin emphasized.
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