China To Implement Visa Exemption for Swedish Citizens

China is ready to waive the visa requirement for Swedish nationals to facilitate travel to the country and boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on October 16 in Beijing. 

He made these statements during a meeting with Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, adding that he hopes that Sweden will play a supportive role in the diplomatic relations between China and the EU. 

Minister Wang shared that 2025 marks 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, asking both sides to implement mutual decisions made by the two heads of state.

He also stressed that China and Sweden should collaborate closely to revive bilateral relations and consistently work towards building the health and development of the relations. 

Minister Stenergard responded by expressing her pleasure of being the first Swedish foreign minister to visit China in 16 years. She emphasized that Sweden greatly values its relations with China and that it supports the one-China policy. 

The Swedish foreign minister added that Sweden is looking to build economic and trade relationships with China that will be reciprocal and benefit both countries. She said that it is ready to work closely with China in trade and investment, sci-tech innovation, and green transition. Sweden is also willing to cooperate closely in the field of education and people-to-people and cultural exchange. 

Finally, Minister Stenergard expressed her gratitude towards China for implementing the visa exemption for Swedish nationals, saying that she believes this significant visa policy change will encourage more Swedish nationals to visit China.