China’s Visa-Free Gambit: A Strategic Move Cloaked in Tourism

China has ramped up its visa-free entry program to include citizens from 74 countries, allowing up to 30 days of stay without a visa. At first glance, this looks like a welcoming boost for international tourists, but beneath the surface lies a carefully orchestrated strategy that American policymakers and the public must scrutinize. The official narrative emphasizes economic recovery and tourism growth, with over 20 million foreign visitors already benefiting from eased restrictions in 2024—a figure doubling last year’s numbers. Yet this surge is not just about hospitality. It represents Beijing leveraging soft power, reopening its doors selectively to create...