China’s Strategic Move May Undermine the EU’s Ambitious Agenda- Analysis

Last week, Beijing made an announcement that citizens of six EU countries will be allowed to visit China visa-free for a 15-day period. This visa-free travel scheme applies to Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. The timing of this announcement is notable as it comes just before the China-EU summit, which will be attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.

Von der Leyen has recently taken a strong stance against China, criticizing its trade practices and calling for de-risking measures. In response, Beijing has encouraged the EU to approach its relationship with China more cooperatively. China’s decision to grant visa-free travel to select EU countries can be seen as a strategic move to counter the perception that it is becoming inconvenient to travel to China. Over the years, China has implemented stricter regulations and bureaucracy for incoming travelers, making the visa application process arduous. The visa-free scheme is a significant gesture that makes it easier for European tourists and businesspeople to visit China.

Obtaining a Chinese tourist visa requires making a formal appointment at a designated office, which may require travel to a major city. The application process involves filling out an extensive form, providing passport scans and photos, and submitting the passport. The process can take several working days, and the visa is limited to one year. By exempting certain EU countries from this process, China is making it more convenient for European businessmen to enter the Chinese market. This gesture improves business ties and undermines the de-risking agenda advocated by von der Leyen, as accessing the Chinese market becomes easier for German, Dutch, and French executives.

Additionally, China’s decision to grant visa-free travel to select EU countries contradicts the narrative that China is becoming closed and unfriendly to the world. Beijing recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the EU, especially considering the challenges posed by the US. By offering visa-free travel, China hopes to foster the conditions for expanding EU-China business ties in the long run.

In terms of credibility, the article lacks specific sources or links to back up its claims. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain the accuracy of the information presented. The article’s overall tone seems to be supportive of China’s decision and portrays it as a smart move to counter Western criticism. There is a potential bias in favor of China’s perspective, as it downplays the criticisms made by von der Leyen and presents visa-free travel as a strategic move rather than a genuine effort to improve convenience for travelers.

The lack of sources and potential biases in the article diminish its reliability. It is crucial to seek out additional sources and perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the visa-free travel scheme and its implications. The political landscape and prevalence of fake news can influence the public’s perception of China and its actions. Without proper fact-checking and diverse sources, individuals may be susceptible to misinformation or a skewed understanding of the topic. Therefore, it is essential to approach news articles critically and seek out multiple sources to form a well-rounded perspective.

Source: RT news: This simple move by China could demolish the EU’s aggressive agenda