Diplomatic service remains an enabler of China's high-standard opening up: FM

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China's diplomatic service will continue to be an enabler of the country's high-standard opening up and create a more favorable international environment for Chinese modernization, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

China will continue to facilitate the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, keep industrial and supply chains stable and smooth, and secure a fair, open and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies operating abroad, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National People's Congress.

China will continue to expand the fast track for people-to-people exchanges, Wang said, adding that China has to date granted unilateral visa exemption to 50 countries and made mutual visa-free entry arrangements with 29 countries.

As many as 73 percent of visitors came to China visa-free last year, according to Wang.

China will continue to refine cross-border travel policies, further leverage the benefits of visa-free entry, and upgrade support services, Wang added.