BEIJING: The Chinese government is considering resuming visa exemption for Japanese nationals making short-term visits to China, sources with expertise on bilateral affairs said Friday.

The resumption may be decided within November.

China had waived visas for Japanese nationals visiting China for stays of up to 15 days for sightseeing and business purposes. The measure remains suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the number of business travelers from Japan to China increased after the pandemic, as economic activities were normalized.

With visa procedures getting a drag on corporate activities, the Japanese government and the business community have been calling on China to resume visa exemption.

China is considering the resumption after Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping in a recent meeting in Peru agreed that their countries will expand human exchanges.

Earlier this month, China announced short-term visa waivers for some countries including South Korea. Amid economic weakness, China apparently hopes that visa exemption will help increase investments in the country.

JIJI Press