China exempts Brazilians in a new policy aimed at the Global South

From June 1, 2025, citizens of Brazil will be able to travel to China without a need for a visa, provided that the stay does not exceed 30 days. The policy, with an initial validity of a year, also covers Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

The official announcement was made on Thursday (15) by the spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, during a press conference in Beijing.

The measure, experimental, includes trips for tourism, business, visit to family and friends, exchange or traffic. However, the exercise of paid activities or prolonged permanence in the country is prohibited.

The decision is part of China’s diplomatic effort to deepen relations with Latin America and reinforce its policy of approximation with the global south.

The new visa policy was presented in the context of the 4th China-Celac Ministerial Forum, held in Beijing, which brought together Chinese authorities and representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean.

In his opening speech, President XI Jinping anticipated the release of measures to facilitate cultural and economic exchanges with the region, although he did not initially specify the contemplated countries.

During the event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the country “will intensify the exchange and mutual learning between civilizations” and highlighted the importance of expanding partnerships between universities, think tanks, media and local governments.

China will also maintain subnational friendship and cooperation forums as instruments of dialogue between peoples.

Chinese diplomacy bets on mobility and cultural integration

In justifying the measure, spokesman Lin Jian argued that China will continue to promote an opening of “high level to the outside world” and invited foreign citizens to “visit China more often”, describing the country as “colorful, passionate and vibrant”.

According to him, the visa exemption policy is part of a series of actions aimed at facilitating international mobility and stimulating cultural integration with global southern countries.

Analysts estimate that, in addition to expanding the flow of tourists and entrepreneurs, the measure may boost academic and institutional bonds between China and Latin America, especially in strategic areas such as energy, infrastructure and innovation.

In parallel to the diplomatic agenda, China announced investments of $ 27 billion in new projects in Brazil, as released by Apexbrasil.

The contemplated sectors include Delivery (Meituan), Electric Mobility (GAC), Clean Energy (CGN) and Mining (Baiyin Nonferrous). The disclosure took place during the Brazil-China Business Forum, also held in Beijing, with the presence of authorities from both countries.