China will temporarily exempt people with a Dutch passport from visa requirements. The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the Dutch can then visit China for fifteen days. The exemption takes effect on December 1 and lasts for one year. This measure also applies to France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Malaysia.

China did not say why these five EU member states were chosen. The four largest economies of the European Union are included.

The exemption is seen as an enticement for tourists to return to China after the epidemic. In August, Beijing removed all coronavirus testing requirements for incoming travellers.

China has also taken other steps in recent months to revive its tourism sector, including restoring international flight routes. They have been at a standstill due to strict coronavirus measures, meaning the borders have been almost completely closed to the outside world.

Moreover, China is trying to improve its human rights image. An international poll reported by Reuters news agency showed that 67% of participants have a negative image of China.

The German ambassador to China is happy with the exemption. “This decision will make traveling to China much easier for many German citizens,” Patricia Flohr wrote on X.

This is not the first time China has granted countries visa exemption. Earlier this month, the country expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries, meaning citizens from Norway also do not require a visa.