The Chinese Embassy in India has issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens between January 1 and April 9, 2025, which is an important step towards strengthening relations with people between the two countries.
According to Chinese Ambassador Joo Fihong, “As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, secure, lively, thick and friendly China to visit China.” He said this in a post on X.
Visa rest for Indian travelers
The Chinese government has started many comfort to facilitate smooth travel between India and China:
– No online appointment: Indian applicants can now submit their visa application to visa centers on working days without direct online appointments.
– Biometric discount: Travelers going to China for a short time are exempted from providing biometric data, reducing processing time.
– Visa fee: Now, a Chinese visa can be obtained at a very low rate, which makes the journey more cheap for Indian visitors.
– Quick Processing Time: Visa Approval Timeline is more streamlined, allowing both business and holiday passengers to benefit quickly.
– Tourism: China is actively promoting travel for Indian tourists, displaying its cultural and seasonal attractions, such as festivals and sites.
Economic and trade relations
Since the onset of his presidential post, Donald Trump has been threatening countries about slapping tariffs on him – and especially on China, it is the top economic adverse but major business partner.
The Chinese Embassy spokesperson, U Jing, emphasized the importance of India-China economic and trade relations, stating that “China-India is based on the economic and business relations supplementary and mutual gains. Facing American misuse of tariffs … The two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome difficulties.” U Jing further stated that “there is no winner in trade and tariff wars. All countries should maintain the principles of comprehensive consultation, practice true multiplicity, jointly unilaterally and all forms of protectionism should oppose.”
Soft power gesture
Although diplomatic relations between India and China are prevalent with challenges,
Especially the ongoing military deadlock with the line of real control (LAC), the move can be seen as a soft power step to show openness towards India and expand goodwill, as it trusts from the bottom-up, even trying to resolve the boundary and business issues with the authorities.
Promote people’s diplomacy
Increase in issuing visas reflects a fresh commitment between India and China to promote cultural, educational, business and tourism exchange. China has long been a popular destination for Indian students, especially pursuing medical degrees, thousands of people have nominated in Chinese universities. The resumption of the student journey has been welcomed by many people, as the journey disruption due to the epidemic left many Indian students unable to pursue their studies.