China’s economic need and soft diplomacy spur about-face on visa-free entry
It was once a privilege afforded to only Singapore, Brunei and Japan but now travel rules have been relaxed for dozens of countries. But are many people coming?
A few years ago, getting a visa to visit China was a “ball ache”, says Kate Murray. The Australian was going for a four-day trade show, but the visa required a formal invitation from the organisers and what felt like “a thousand forms”.
“They wanted so many details about your life and personal life,” she tells the Guardian. “The paperwork was bonkers.”
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