中国对海合会6国全免签，学者：中海自贸谈判当“瓜熟蒂落”

Core Points - China has announced a unilateral visa exemption policy for four Gulf Arab countries, enhancing its diplomatic relations and economic cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations [1][3] - The visa exemption policy is seen as a significant step in deepening ties with Gulf countries, which are crucial energy suppliers and trade partners for China [3][5] - The expansion of the visa-free policy reflects China's commitment to high-level openness and regional cooperation, as well as its ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges [5][6] Economic Cooperation - The total trade volume between China and the GCC is projected to reach $288.09 billion in 2024, making it the second-largest trading partner after ASEAN, EU, US, South Korea, and Japan [5] - The ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, which began in 2004, have seen 11 rounds of discussions, indicating a strong potential for future economic collaboration [5] - The visa exemption is expected to significantly reduce the time cost of cross-border movement, facilitating large-scale exchanges and encouraging business and cultural interactions [5][9] Cultural Exchange - The visa exemption policy is anticipated to boost Chinese language education in GCC countries, allowing language enthusiasts to experience immersive learning opportunities in China [6] - Data shows that since the mutual visa exemption with the UAE and Qatar in 2018, there has been a notable increase in tourism and business exchanges between China and these countries [8] - The establishment of direct flight routes has improved connectivity, although there is still a need for more balanced distribution and reduced transfer costs [9] Future Prospects - There is optimism regarding the potential inclusion of more Middle Eastern countries in China's visa exemption policy, contingent on the political and social stability of those nations [9] - The historical friendship between China and Middle Eastern countries, coupled with recent geopolitical developments, may lead to further expansions of the visa-free network [9]