STORY: China's new visa-free policy applauded by Europeans
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 30, 2023
DATELINE: Dec. 1, 2023
LENGTH: 0:02:12
LOCATION: Paris/Berlin/Brussels/Rome/Madrid
CATEGORY: POLITICS/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese visa application service center
2. various of foreign tourist in Xi'an, China
3. various of views in China
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (French): CHRISTOPHE, Doctor, France
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (French): ESTHER, Researcher, France
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (German): JAN, Senior school student, Germany
7. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): TOMMASO DE ANGELIS, Resident of Rome, Italy
8. SOUNDBITE 5 (Catalan): JOSEP MARIA GOMES, Int'l Business Developer, Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Spain
9. SOUNDBITE 6 (English): LUIGI GAMBARDELLA, President of ChinaEU, Belgium

STORYLINE:

China has recently announced to implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia on a trial basis.

From Dec. 1, 2023 to Nov. 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from the above six countries may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for no more than 15 days.

The measure, aiming at promoting people-to-people exchanges, and serving high-quality development and high-level opening-up, has been applauded by Europeans from various walks of life.

SOUNDBITE 1 (French): CHRISTOPHE, Doctor, France
"I think it's a very good measure. It simplifies things for short stays."

SOUNDBITE 2 (French): ESTHER, Researcher, France
"I think it's very important for tourism, for encouraging cultural exchange and so on. So it's really positive." 
SOUNDBITE 3 (German): JAN, Senior school student, Germany
"China has various aspects that attract me, both its urban and rural landscapes as well as its political life. Traveling to China offers the opportunity for firsthand experience and observation. And now, with the visa exemption, it's even more accessible."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): TOMMASO DE ANGELIS, Resident of Rome, Italy
"I would love to, maybe to have a long trip and not just visit one or two cities, but maybe stay longer in this way. You can see all the different cities and villages and all around the country." 
SOUNDBITE 5 (Catalan): JOSEP MARIA GOMES, Int'l Business Developer, Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Spain
"China has always been a focus for us and a country that's always in our internationalization plans because it's not only a country with great potential, as in some technologies it's ahead of us, but a country where our companies must seek presence."

SOUNDBITE 6 (English): LUIGI GAMBARDELLA, President of ChinaEU, Belgium
"In short, China's visa-free policy is laudable and represents a significant step towards global collaboration and understanding. Such an extension would not only benefit a larger cohort of travelers but also mark a significant stride towards a more inclusive and cooperative international community."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Paris/Berlin/Brussels/Rome/Madrid.
(XHTV)