British citizens will now be able to travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days, the UK government confirmed, easing short-term travel for tourists and business visitors.
The move is expected to simplify travel procedures and encourage greater people-to-people and business exchanges between the two countries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting on the decision during his four-day visit to China, said the relaxed visa rules would help British businesses expand their presence in one of the world’s largest economies.
“As one of the world’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China,” Starmer said. “We’ll make it easier for them to do so, including through relaxed visa rules for short-term travel, supporting them to expand abroad while boosting growth and jobs at home.”
Alongside the visa-free arrangement, the UK and China agreed to launch a feasibility study aimed at exploring a potential agreement on trade in services, the BBC reported. The study could pave the way for closer cooperation in key sectors where Britain has a strong competitive edge.
Britain’s economy is heavily driven by services, and the proposed partnership is expected to focus on expanding ties in healthcare, financial and professional services, legal services, education and skills development.
The announcements form part of what the UK government described as a “new partnership” with China, with boosting economic growth at home a key objective of Starmer’s visit.
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