China Welcomes 85,000 Indian Visitors Amid Trump’s Trade Threats: A Strategic Soft Power Move

Visa surge highlights Beijing’s bid to deepen ties with India and counter US tariffs with cultural diplomacy

New Delhi/Beijing, April 15, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic overture, China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in just the first three months of 2025, signaling a renewed push to improve bilateral ties amid growing global trade tensions.

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The announcement came via Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who shared on social platform X, “As of April 9, 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.”

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Key Visa Relaxations for Indian Travelers

To facilitate easier travel, China has implemented a range of visa relaxations for Indian applicants:

• No online appointments required – walk-in submissions now allowed.
• Biometric exemption for short-term visitors.
• Reduced visa fees, making trips more affordable.
• Faster processing timelines, benefiting students, tourists, and business travelers.

These measures reflect China’s renewed interest in people-to-people diplomacy, particularly at a time when tensions with the United States — under President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies — have cast a shadow over global trade dynamics.

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Countering U.S. Pressure with Regional Partnership

As Trump continues to threaten harsh trade tariffs against China, Beijing is actively seeking to build goodwill with strategic partners, including India. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing underlined this approach, stating:

“Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs… the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties. Trade and tariff wars have no winners. All countries should jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.”

Beyond Borders: Cultural and Educational Bridges

The uptick in visa issuance also marks a revival of academic and tourism exchanges. Thousands of Indian students, especially in medical fields, are returning to Chinese universities after years of pandemic-related disruptions. Cultural events, seasonal festivals, and business exchanges are also seeing renewed momentum.

Despite lingering tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and broader geopolitical concerns, this move is widely seen as a soft power strategy by China — signaling openness, cultural exchange, and a bottom-up approach to rebuilding trust with India.

Tags: China India relations, Trump China tariffs, India China visa update, Chinese Embassy India, Xu Feihong, Yu Jing, LAC standoff, people-to-people ties, Indian students in China, Asia geopolitics