China aims to further expand international cooperation in science and technology by introducing a new visa category to attract young STEM talents from around the world, said an expert.
Set to take effect on October 1, 2025, the K visa follows the approval of a State Council decree by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, which amends regulations on entry and exit procedures for foreign nationals.
The new visa will be added to its ordinary visa categories, available to eligible young science and technology professionals. Applicants for this visa must meet the qualifications and requirements set by the relevant Chinese authorities and submit supporting documentation.
Compared to the existing 12 ordinary visa types, K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of the number of permitted entries, validity period, and duration of stay, according to a press conference held by relevant authorities on Thursday.
"[It] indicates that China is implementing more proactive, open and effective talent policies. Against the backdrop of unilateralism and protectionism, China is strengthening international cooperation, especially in science and technology," said Liu Ying, a researcher at ChongYang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies will announce detailed requirements, including age limits, documents, and eligibility rules.
Experts believe that, as the world's largest manufacturing nation, China will be an attractive destination for tech talent worldwide.
"Issuance of K category visas will attract more young STEM talents to visit, study, exchange, and engage in exchanges in China," Liu said.
China's new K visa to strengthen int'l sci-tech cooperation: expert
China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing on the day.
Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, Wang said the trip marks a milestone in bilateral ties and signals a turning point in the relationship.
The leaders of the two countries will hold meetings and talks, which are expected to open up new prospects for bilateral relations, said Wang.
The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the impact of China-Canada relations transcends the bilateral scope, Wang noted.
Wang said that China and Canada have different social systems, stemming from different historical and cultural heritage, and based on the choices of their respective people.
He urged both sides to view each other in a rational and amicable manner with an inclusive mindset, handle issues on the basis of mutual respect, focus on the agenda of cooperation, and send positive messages so as to foster optimism, inject greater confidence into the development of bilateral relations, and jointly build a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada.
Anand said the new Canadian government attaches great importance to relations with China. She also added that Prime Minister Carney looks forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders during the visit to set the course for the development of bilateral relations, resume dialogue in various fields, pursue more mutually beneficial outcomes, enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.
China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM
