BEIJING(National times)- China has announced visa-free entry for citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada, allowing travel without prior visa approval for short stays. According to the foreign ministry in Beijing, the policy will take effect from Tuesday and remain in place until 31 December this year. The move follows recent visits by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. During their meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Officials said ordinary passport holders from both countries will be able to stay for up to 30 days without a visa for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, exchange programmes and transit travel. Authorities said the measure is intended to enhance people-to-people connectivity and facilitate economic engagement. Separately, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Chinese officials said they aim to elevate strategic cooperation with Germany. Analysts say Beijing is seeking to stabilise and strengthen ties with the European Union, particularly as European states attempt to balance economic engagement with strategic considerations in foreign policy.