China to foreign travelers: Take our coronavirus vaccine, enjoy a streamlined visa process in return

TAIPEI, Taiwan — In the latest move by China to promote its coronavirus vaccines and flex its soft power, Beijing will offer some foreigners inoculated with Chinese-made doses “conveniences” when applying for entry into the country.

Notices of the new policy to “resume people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries” were issued by Chinese embassies or consulates in the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Germany, Italy, the United States, Israel and India as of Monday. The announcements said China would simplify the application process for those with certificates proving they had been given one of several Chinese vaccines.