China has officially expanded its visa-free transit policy to include Indonesian citizens, allowing them a stay of up to 10 days without requiring a visa. This significant development increases the number of countries eligible for this policy to 55. The visa-free transit arrangement enables international travelers to enter China through any of 60 designated ports, provided they possess valid international travel documents and confirmed connecting tickets to a third country or region. Eligible individuals can utilize this policy for various purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, and exchange-related activities within the designated areas.

The announcement, made by China's National Immigration Administration, follows Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Indonesia in late May. According to an administration official, this expansion is a crucial step towards enhancing China's exchanges and cooperation with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Beyond diplomatic ties, the policy is anticipated to significantly facilitate trade and investment between China and Indonesia, thereby strengthening the positive momentum observed in their bilateral relations.

The economic implications of this policy are substantial. Fu Congcong, an associate professor at the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, noted that the move is likely to stimulate more business and investment trips by Indonesians to China, injecting fresh momentum into economic cooperation. China currently stands as Indonesia's largest trading partner, while Indonesia, the fourth most populous country globally, is Southeast Asia's largest economy. Bilateral trade reached an impressive $147.8 billion last year, marking a 6.1 percent increase year-on-year, as reported by China's Foreign Ministry. Furthermore, investment and infrastructure cooperation between the two nations have flourished, exemplified by landmark initiatives such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor.

Fu further elaborated on the strategic and global significance of the cooperation between China and Indonesia, both major developing countries and key members of the Global South. He asserted that this visa-free policy, alongside other initiatives like scholarships and youth exchange programs, will effectively "open the gate for the emerging middle class, students and young people in Indonesia to understand China." This initiative is part of China's broader drive for "soft connectivity" with neighboring countries and reflects a foreign policy that prioritizes cooperation and inclusiveness in its international engagements.