In an effort to salvage its struggling economy, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has recently announced the easing of transit visa rules for 54 countries. This move, seen as a bid to attract foreign tourists and business investors, has been met with ridicule, with some critics mocking it as a loss of sovereignty and national dignity. On Tuesday, December 17th, China's National Immigration Administration issued a statement declaring significant relaxations in transit visa policies for citizens of the 54 countries already eligible for transit visa-free entry.

Under the new regulations, the allowed stay duration within China has been extended from the previous limits of 72 hours or 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days. Additionally, 21 new ports have been added for visa-free entry and exit, bringing the total to 60 open ports across         24 provinces, regions, and cities. The 54 countries benefiting from this policy include 40 European nations, six from the Americas, six from Asia, and two from Oceania. These countries represent nearly all of the world's most developed economies, including those frequently labelled as hostile nations in CCP propaganda, such as the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

Despite these changes, the response from the international community has been less than enthusiastic. Many view the CCP's efforts as a desperate attempt to bolster a declining economy. Critics on social media platforms have pointed out the hypocrisy in China's approach, noting that while the CCP engages in aggressive Wolf Warrior diplomacy and hostage diplomacy, it simultaneously seeks to attract foreign tourists and investors. This contradictory stance has been likened to a form of schizophrenia.

American economist David Hong believes the primary reason foreign tourists are hesitant to visit China is the increased safety risks. He points out that current tense international relations with China, along with China's national security law and anti-espionage law, have contributed to a perception of danger. Some U.S. professors have been attacked, and many foreigners in China have encountered difficulties, making foreign tourists feel unsafe travelling there.

The CCP's implementation of the anti-espionage law has created new risks for foreign companies, business travellers, scholars, journalists, and researchers visiting China. Currently, the United States maintains an orange level three travel advisory for China, advising citizens to reconsider travel. The governments of Canada and Australia have also warned their citizens to exercise extreme caution while in China. In June of this year, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council advised its citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to China.

The sharp decline in the number of foreign tourists visiting China is also related to the CCP's zero-COVID policy from previous years and the current economic situation. During the pandemic, many flight routes and tourism-related services essentially collapsed over the three-year period and have not yet fully recovered. China's economy is facing increasing downward pressure, and investment opportunities are rapidly diminishing. This has negatively affected business trips, tourism, and other areas such as studying abroad.

The CCP's attempts to attract foreign tourists and investors are also hampered by its aggressive foreign policies and international reputation. Xi Jinping's administration has been known for its combative Wolf Warrior diplomacy, which has strained relations with many Western countries. The term "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" refers to a more assertive and confrontational style of diplomacy adopted by Chinese officials in recent years. This approach has often led to diplomatic spats and increased tensions between China and other nations.

Furthermore, the CCP's human rights record and internal policies have not helped its image abroad. Reports of human rights abuses, censorship, and the suppression of dissent have contributed to a negative perception of China in many parts of the world. The international community's reaction to these issues has resulted in economic sanctions, reduced foreign trade, and a general reluctance to engage with China.

The easing of transit visa rules, while a step in the right direction, does not address these underlying issues. Foreign tourists and business travellers remain cautious about visiting China due to safety concerns, legal risks, and the country's international reputation. The CCP's efforts to attract more visitors are seen as insufficient to overcome the significant challenges posed by its domestic and foreign policies.

In conclusion, the CCP's decision to ease transit visa rules for 54 countries is a clear attempt to boost its declining economy by attracting foreign tourists and investors. However, despite these incentives, many foreign tourists remain reluctant to visit China. The reasons for this reluctance are multifaceted, including increased safety risks, legal uncertainties, and China's aggressive foreign policies. The CCP's contradictory approach, marked by a desire to attract foreign visitors while maintaining a hard line stance internationally, has not been successful in addressing the underlying issues deterring tourists and investors from coming to China. As the country faces a severe economic downturn and increasing international isolation, it remains to be seen whether these visa policy changes will have the desired effect.