“In the next phase, with the expansion, I think Portugal will join the visa exemption list (for entry into China). To promote the measure, a policy, a gradual process is always necessary”, explained the diplomat to Lusa agency, noting that the first countries on Beijing’s list “have a greater number of business exchanges and cooperation projects”, thus, a greater need to travel to China.

This is a policy implemented “according to real needs”, stressed the diplomat.

The next date for reviewing the visa-exempt countries is unknown, however, Zhao Bentang assured that the relationship between Portugal and China “has no obstacles” and that several measures have been put in place to facilitate obtaining visas.

After the recent extension of visa exemptions for stays of up to 15 days, the Portugues ambassador in Beijing, Paulo Nascimento, said he “does not understand” the criteria for leaving Portugal out.

The diplomat recalled that China has the right to decide its visa policy autonomously but admitted that he would request a consultation on this decision from the country’s authorities.

Questioned by Lusa, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that China “has always been open to expanding exchanges with foreign countries” and that it is willing to reinforce communication with Lisbon to “increase the ease of bilateral exchanges”.

Regarding Portugal’s absence in the first two groups of European countries, the diplomat justified that the choices were based on the “frequency of interpersonal and commercial exchange between China and these countries” and that “gradually, the list will be increasingly open”.

Zhao Bentang also highlighted the values shared by Portugal and China, such as multiculturalism, an open world economy, in addition to “consensus and cooperation” in sectors such as sustainable development and combating climate change.

“China would like to work together with Portugal to increase the level of bilateral relations and jointly face the major challenges and issues” to “give more certainty and positive energy in this world of uncertainty”, he added.

China also guaranteed to continue to work to facilitate visas+, after also streamlining payment methods in the country.

“And we also hope that foreign countries can offer facilitation measures to the Chinese people”, hopes the diplomat, adding that, “after the pandemic, the need for personal and commercial exchanges has increased”.

Regarding obtaining visas to China, “there is no obstacle” for Portuguese citizens who want to travel to the country for business, as Portugal is a “friendly and strategic partner country”, concluded Zhao Bentang.