I heard this news a few days ago, China implemented a visa-free policy for citizens from several European countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. They can travel to China visa-free. They are allowed to stay in China for up to 15 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, etc.
It was often interpreted as for the purpose of facilitating tourism and enhancing communications, understanding and good feelings between peoples. Undoubtedly it will do all this.
I perceive a deeper significance in terms of China's openness to the Western world. I believe it takes tremendous amount of courage and self-confidence to be open.
I grew up in the era of culture revolution, especially in early 1970s when people were not allowed to freely talk to foreigners, for fear of saying something negative about the country. At that time, China was obsessed with keeping decent appearances, covering up the negative, showing to foreigners the brightest side of the country. It was almost a crime to say anything disparaging about the country because it implied a criticism against the authorities.
This extreme cover-up, this fear of criticism are all signs of weakness, fear and of lack of self-confidence.
Along this line of thinking, today's new visa-free policy further opening its door to outsiders demonstrates an unprecedented level of courage, strength and self-confidence.
开放需要勇气 (Kāi fàng xū yào yǒng qì) It takes courage to be open. So it is with a country, so it is with individuals.