As requested by entrepreneurs, Tokyo has also been included among the 38 countries whose citizens the People’s Republic has facilitated entry as visitors. The announcement after the meeting in Lima between Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba. However, historical disputes remain in the background, as the football match between the two national teams demonstrated a few days ago in Xiamen.
Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – China has also added Japan to its visa exemption program: Japanese visitors will also be able to stay in the country for up to 30 days without an entry permit. This was announced by the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, explaining that the measure will apply from November 30th until the end of next year.
Japan is one of nine countries added to the visa-exempt list, making it 38. The others announced today are Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia and Latvia. China inaugurated this policy last year, starting from some large European countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, with the aim of giving oxygen to tourism and business.
Until 2020, Japanese passport holders could enter the country without a visa for up to 15 years, under a policy introduced in 2003. The measure was then suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. To enter Japan, however, Chinese visitors must obtain a visa regardless of the length or purpose of their stay.
Beijing’s decision comes after hundreds of Japanese investors earlier this year urged China to resume visa-free entry rules to expand business and investment and after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the Apec summit in Peru last week. Japan is heavily dependent on Chinese supply chains and is one of the country’s major import and export partners.
In the background, however, remain the historic rivalries between Tokyo and Beijing, which in recent years the nationalist rhetoric of both countries has not failed to exploit. Emblematic was the very harsh controversy conducted by Chinese official bodies against the release of cooling water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, with the consequent blocking of fish imports from Japan. In September, Beijing agreed to gradually lift the measure, following talks and clarifications from Tokyo. But on Chinese social networks, anti-Japanese rhetoric remains very strong, with even serious consequences such as the story of the child of a Japanese family shot to death outside a school in Shenzhen a few weeks ago. And again two days ago – during the football match between the two national teams held in Xiamen for the World Cup qualifiers – a large part of the stadium loudly booed the Japanese national anthem.
In Lima, Xi said Japan should “deal with history correctly, be forward-looking and properly handle issues of the past, issues related to Taiwan and other important issues of principle,” Xi said. Ishiba responded that Japan’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged, based on the Japan-China Joint Declaration signed in 1972. He also said the countries will continue to maintain dialogue and translate the consensus reached on Fukushima into action as soon as possible.
**PAA:** How will the visa exemption for Japan potentially impact China’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with other Asian nations, given Japan’s significant economic influence in the region?
## Visa Exemption for Japan: A Diplomatic Balancing Act
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing China’s recent decision to add Japan to its visa exemption program. To unpack the implications of this move, we’re joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Akiko Sato, a Professor of International Relations specializing in East Asian politics, and Mr. Jian Wang, an expert on Chinese economic policy and investment.
Welcome, Dr. Sato and Mr. Wang.
**Section 1: Economic Implications**
* **Mr. Wang:** China’s decision to grant visa-free access to Japanese tourists and businesspeople is clearly aimed at boosting its economy. How significant do you believe this move will be for both nations? Do you foresee a substantial increase in tourism and investment flows?
* **Dr. Sato:** This move undoubtedly holds economic potential. But, Mr. Wang, do you think this benefit outweighs any potential security concerns that China might have about allowing easier access to Japanese nationals?
**Section 2: Historical Tensions**
* **Dr. Sato:** While this visa exemption is a positive step, it occurs against a backdrop of historical tensions between Japan and China. Could you elaborate on how these historical disputes might continue to impact bilateral relations even with this new development?
* **Mr. Wang:** Considering the recent controversy surrounding the Fukushima nuclear water discharge and the anti-Japanese sentiments still prevalent in China, how can both countries navigate these sensitive issues while deepening economic ties?
**Section 3: Diplomatic Significance**
* **Mr. Wang:** The timing of this announcement is noteworthy, coming after a meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Ishiba. Dr. Sato, what does this tell us about the current state of Sino-Japanese relations and their future trajectory?
* **Dr. Sato:** President Xi’s statement about Japan “dealing with history correctly” indicates that these historical issues remain a point of contention. Do you think a genuine reconciliation is possible in the near future, or will these sensitive topics continue to cast a shadow on the relationship?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Dr. Sato:** Despite these complexities, China and Japan are major economic partners. What are the key areas where you believe increased cooperation between the two countries could be most beneficial, not only for themselves but also for the wider Asia-Pacific region?
* **Mr. Wang:** What are your predictions for the future of Sino-Japanese relations? Do you believe this move towards visa exemption represents a significant turning point, or is it just a temporary gesture?
**Closing**
Thank you, Dr. Sato and Mr. Wang, for providing such insightful perspectives on this important topic. This discussion has highlighted the complex interplay of economic interests, historical tensions, and diplomatic maneuvering that shapes the relationship between Japan and China. We hope this conversation has shed light on the multifaceted implications of China’s visa exemption program and its potential impact on the future of Sino-Japanese relations.
