CaliToday (05/11/2025): In a day of major domestic announcements, China has signaled a continued push to open its borders for tourism and business, while simultaneously issuing a severe warning against cross-border crime.
Beijing Extends Visa-Free Entry to 45 Countries in Economic Push
BEIJING – China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a significant expansion of its visa-free entry program, extending the policy to citizens from 45 countries as Beijing intensifies efforts to boost its post-pandemic economy.
The move, effective immediately, is the latest and most sweeping in a series of measures aimed at reviving inbound tourism and facilitating international business. The policy allows citizens from the designated nations which include a broad mix of European, Asian, and Latin American countries—to enter China for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 15 or 30 days without a visa.
While the full list of 45 nations is being released, officials confirmed it includes an expansion on a successful trial program that previously applied to nations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and Singapore.
A Push for "Openness"
This policy is a clear component of China’s broader strategy to counter narratives of economic "decoupling" and present an image of openness to the world.
Boosting Tourism: The travel industry, a major economic driver, has been slow to recover to 2019 levels. By removing the often-costly and complex visa application process, authorities hope to see an immediate influx of tourists.
Facilitating Business: The move is also aimed at the international business community. Foreign chambers of commerce in China have long cited travel inconveniences as a significant barrier. This extension is a direct response, making it easier for executives, investors, and technical experts to conduct short-term visits.
The announcement was met with positive reactions from travel and business groups, who see it as a crucial step in normalizing international exchanges with the world's second-largest economy.
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Five Sentenced to Death in Crackdown on Myanmar-Based Scam Rings
KUNMING – In a separate and severe judicial action, a court in China's Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, has sentenced five individuals to death for their leading roles in massive, cross-border telecom and online fraud operations.
The verdict concludes a high-profile case linked to the notorious "scam compounds" operating from border regions in Myanmar, which have become a major source of social anger and financial loss within China.
The individuals were found guilty of orchestrating "pig-butchering" scams a form of sophisticated online romance and investment fraud that targeted thousands of Chinese citizens and defrauded them of hundreds of millions of yuan.
A "Zero-Tolerance" Message
The severity of the death sentences highlights Beijing's "zero-tolerance" approach to a crime that has destabilized families and sparked a diplomatic crisis in the region.
Nature of the Crime: The court found that the ringleaders used violence, kidnapping, and torture to control thousands of "workers," many of whom were also victims trafficked to the compounds and forced to perpetrate the scams.
Regional Crackdown: This ruling is the culmination of immense pressure from Beijing on Myanmar's authorities to dismantle the scam syndicates. In recent months, China's law enforcement has cooperated with Myanmar's government to repatriate tens of thousands of suspects involved in these operations.
The sentences are intended as a powerful deterrent to others involved in the illicit industry and a demonstration to the Chinese public that the state is taking decisive action to protect its citizens from the cross-border scourge.