China wants Japan to exempt its diplomats from visas, similar to other countries, in return for considering visa-free entry for short-term Japanese visitors. Between 2003 and 2020, China allowed 15 days of visa-free travel for Japanese citizens, but Japan requires visas for all Chinese visitors. Japan is cautious about potential overstays.
A Chinese official suggested Japan include China in countries with visa-free arrangements for diplomats, but Japan finds it challenging due to conservative concerns. China expressed willingness to welcome Japanese visitors, hinting at resuming visa-free stays under certain conditions, supported by Japanese companies.
Currently, Japan grants visa-free treatment to diplomats from around 60 countries and exempts short-term visitors from visas from 70 nations, including the US, the UK, and Brazil.
China recently reinstated visa-free arrangements for short-term visitors from Brunei and Singapore. China and Singapore plan mutual visa exemptions in 2024. Additionally, China implemented a trial visa-free entry policy for nationals of France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Spain. Premier Li Qiang announced that Ireland and Switzerland would also be included in China’s visa-free policy during his recent European tour.
China-Japan Visa Exemption, Diplomatic Visa Request, China-Japan Diplomacy, Visa Exemption Negotiations, Diplomatic Relations Update