China's unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay took effect Sunday, with Latin American tourists flocking in.
The visa-free policy takes effect from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, in a bid to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
"I think it's a great opportunity for South American people. China and South America have great relationships and this will help to grow both countries and both nations," said a Peruvian tourist entering Shenzhen from West Kowloon Station, the Hong Kong terminus of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail in south China.
"I think it's amazing, because we can go back and forth. It makes both of the countries generate a better partnership together," an Argentine visitor said at the station.
"So I didn't need to apply for the visa. I'm really happy with this. I will come back sooner probably," echoed a Brazilian tourist.
The West Kowloon Station, serving as a vital transport hub connecting China's mainland and Hong Kong, allows passengers to go through both mainland and Hong Kong border checks in one place within minutes.
According to data from China Immigration at the station, about 550,000 foreign travelers had crossed the station this year as of May 31, a 33 percent year-on-year growth.
"More than 115,000 visits made by foreigners are covered by the visa-free policy, marking a 1.2-fold increase year on year. Most of the visa-free policy beneficiaries came for tourism, business, or family visits, with travelers from the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia ranking as the top three nationalities," said Huang Chun, a China Immigration officer at the Shenzhen side of the West Kowloon Station.
About 10,000 foreign entries are expected at the West Kowloon Station during the ongoing three-day Dragon Boat Festival, which runs from Saturday through Monday.
Visa-free policy for 5 Latin American countries takes effect
Visa-free policy for 5 Latin American countries takes effect
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
