New Delhi/IBNS: The Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens between January 1 and April 9, marking a significant step towards strengthening people-to-people bonds between the two countries.

In a post on X, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said, "As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China."

This comes at a time when Donald Trump has tightened US visa regulations and imposed sweeping tariffs on all countries, especially China.

Visa relaxations for Indian travelers

The Chinese government has introduced several relaxations to facilitate smoother travel between India and China:

• No Online Appointment: Indian applicants can now directly submit their visa applications at visa centers on working days without prior online appointments.
• Biometric Exemption: Travelers visiting China for a short time are exempt from providing biometric data, reducing processing time.
• Visa Fees: Now, a Chinese visa can be obtained at a much lower rate, making travel more affordable for Indian visitors.
• Quicker Processing Times: The visa approval timeline has become more streamlined, allowing for quicker issuance and benefiting both business and leisure travelers.
• Tourism: China is actively promoting travel for Indian tourists, showcasing its cultural and seasonal attractions, such as festivals and destinations.

Announcing these, the Chinese Embassy spokesperson, Yu Jing, emphasised the importance of India-China economic and trade relations.

"China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complementarity and mutual benefit. Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs... the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties." Yu Jing said.

"Trade and tariff wars have no winners. All countries should uphold the principles of extensive consultation, practice true multilateralism, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism," he added.