A new direct flight route connecting Belgian capital Brussels and China's financial hub of Shanghai was inaugurated on Wednesday, providing more travel options and convenience for international passengers heading to China.
The inaugural flight of this new direct route departed from the Brussels International Airport at noon local time. Among the travelers was Hyde, who expressed her delight noting that her family had previously lived in China for many years.
The recently implemented visa-free policy, effective this year, has made travel plans easier, prompting them to visit China as soon as the summer vacation began.
"Now we don't need to apply for a visa, it's very convenient to travel. So we say 'let's go (to China) to see some friends," Hyde said in Chinese.
China adopted a visa-free policy for Belgian ordinary passport holders from March 14 this year until December 31 in 2025. This policy allows the relevant individuals to enter China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit without a visa for up to 15 days.
"We've never been to China, it's a perfect opportunity for us to visit your country [China]. So we're just going to let the cities surprise us," said Elissa, another traveler.
The implementation of China's visa-free policy for Belgium, coupled with the increase in direct flights between Belgium and China, is projected to bolster cooperation and development in various sectors, including the economy, tourism and culture between Europe and China, an airport operation executive said.
"We feel directly it's because of the visa-free entry [policy] that the entry is growing. Yes, we will definitely, not only (passengers) in Belgium but also in European, and even North American and African and visitors are going to China," said Bart Saverwyns, Chief Passenger Aviation Officer of Brussels Airport.
New Brussels-Shanghai direct flight launched amid visa-free policy boost
New Brussels-Shanghai direct flight launched amid visa-free policy boost
Infrastructure is at the heart of economic ties between China and its neighbor to the west, Tajikistan, as the in-depth and close cooperation between the two countries plays an important part in improving the livelihoods of Tajik people.
The Tajik capital of Dushanbe is no stranger to monuments. The city boasts the world's second tallest flag pole and the statue of Ismoil Somoni, the 10th-century ruler whom the country's currency is named after.
The latest addition to the list of impressive buildings in Dushanbe is the Independence and Freedom Monument.
Opened in 2022, it was built by Xinjiang Construction and Engineering Corporation, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
Gulomov Marufjon, a local Tajik who has been working for China State Construction for half a decade, told China Global Television Network (CGTN) that a total of five projects has been delivered by his company in Tajikistan since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed, the famous Independence and Freedom Monument included.
"In terms of infrastructure, the cooperation between the two countries has seen new developments every year since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed. Our company has built and delivered five important projects -- the National Library, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, two highways, and this Independence and Freedom Monument," said Gulomov, assistant to general manager of the Tajik branch of Xinjiang Construction and Engineering Corporation.
The tower's height of 91 meters symbolizes the year of the country's independence, namely 1991. While commemorating the Central Asian country charting its own path, it is one that is increasingly integrated with its neighbor to the east, China.
"More than 530 Chinese companies are operating in Tajikistan, encompassing industries such as construction, agriculture, industry, transportation, and maintenance. These companies have created numerous job opportunities for people and contributed to the development of the economy and bilateral relations," said Gulomov.
This monument to Tajik's modern history is also seen as a symbol of the country’s growing relationship with China.
Ties in building infrastructure praised for improving Tajik livelihoods
