China has signed comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with 24 countries, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a more convenient and inviting environment for international travelers, said Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
During the week-long National Day holiday that just concluded, inbound travel orders surged by approximately 60 percent from the previous year, with numerous Chinese cities emerging as popular destinations for tourists worldwide, as reported by various travel platforms.
"The increasing popularity of 'China tour' reflects the country's growing appeal and openness. China has now enjoyed comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 24 countries, implemented visa-free entry policies for 16 countries, and offered 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries. The immigration procedure for foreign tourists to China has been continuously simplified, and their experiences within the country have been constantly optimized. As far as I know, Beijing has introduced the 'Service Guide for First-time Visitors to Beijing', which systematically provides information on various life services. Shanghai has equipped taxis and metro stations with international card payment devices, and eight cities, including Chengdu and Xi'an, are also piloting new measures to facilitate payment for visitors to China," said Mao. "China will open up further to the world and enhance entry-exit facilitation. We welcome more friends from around the world to travel to China, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and feel the charm of China," said Mao.
China signs comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 24 countries
Residents in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, are demanding that the government take action to combat the escalating gang violence.
The Caribbean country's security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months, as escalating attacks against civilians are eroding the few areas that remain free from gang influence.
In February alone, the escalating violence in Port-au-Prince has forced nearly 60,000 people to flee their homes.
Currently, over 1 million people are displaced across Haiti -- a figure that has tripled in the past year.
Armed gangs are seizing control of more neighborhoods, raising fears that the capital could fall at any moment.
Half of the country's population is facing acute food shortages, and many displaced people have sought refuge in makeshift shelters, where access to food, water and medical care is severely limited.
Meanwhile, gang violence is intensifying, with kidnappings, extortion and killings plunging the country, especially the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, deeper into turmoil.
"We have nowhere to go. All of those sleeping at the gas station have nowhere to go. I just have one thing to say to the government: they have to do something for us," said Laurie Evanie Felix, a local vendor.
Inflation is soaring, basic services are collapsing, and food insecurity is worsening.
Amidst this turmoil, the rise in gang violence persists, even with the presence of UN-backed international forces led by Kenya.
As conditions worsen, millions are wondering when they will see any sustainable relief.
"Help! Government of my country! Help! We can't run anymore! Government of my country, do something," said Kettia Sylvain, another vendor.
Desperate Haitians urge gov't to take action amid escalating gang violence
Desperate Haitians urge gov't to take action amid escalating gang violence
