Passenger flows through ports in Beijing have topped four million this year as of Monday, up 23 percent year on year and surpassing the mark 18 days earlier than in 2024, said the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection on Tuesday.
China has seen a notable increase in the number of inbound and outbound travelers thanks to the relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, which has extended the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.
In the first two months of this year, the number of inbound and outbound flights at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport reached 19,600, marking a 27 percent year-on-year increase. Additionally, the number of inbound and outbound passenger trips rose by 27 percent year on year to 3.26 million, according to the data released by the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
At present, inbound tourism from foreign visitors at Beijing ports continues to grow.
"As of March 17, nearly 939,000 foreigners passed through ports in Beijing, of which more than 236,000 enjoyed visa-free entry and 240-hour visa-free transit policies, twice as many as the same period last year," said Yang Lele, a staff member of the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
Beijing ports handle over four mln inbound, outbound trips in first 3.5 months of 2025
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
