Digital News

　　At present, China has established a globally leading digital service system. However, overseas visitors still encounter certain inconveniences in its use. Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China, together with 10 other government departments, jointly issued the Implementation Opinions on Enhancing the Convenience of Digital Services for Inbound Overseas Visitors (hereinafter referred to as the Opinions). Centered on connectivity and interoperability, the Opinions focus on three key areas—language, scenarios, and data—with the aim of systematically building a more convenient digital service ecosystem.

　　Removing “Soft Barriers” and “Hard Constraints”

　　In recent years, China’s digital transformation has accelerated, making digital service scenarios such as cashless payments and QR-code ordering a routine part of everyday life. Meanwhile, as China’s visa-free “circle of friends” continues to expand, inbound tourism and business travel have gained strong momentum, revealing certain inconveniences faced by overseas visitors when accessing digital services.

　　“These include both ‘soft barriers’ arising from differences in language and habits, and ‘hard constraints’ such as insufficient compatibility of terminal devices,” said He Dexu, a research fellow at the National Academy of Economic Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). He cited examples including difficulties in understanding online and offline signage, unfamiliarity with mobile payment practices, and a low willingness to use mobile applications.

　　The Opinions are aimed at removing these practical bottlenecks by building a digital service system that is interconnected, inclusive, and universally accessible, with mutual recognition of standards. In He Dexu’s view, this fully demonstrates China’s unwavering commitment to advancing high-level opening-up.

　　Yang Ruilong, Dean and Distinguished Professor (First Grade) of Chongshi College at Renmin University of China, explained that, in terms of language connectivity, the policy strengthens foreign-language guidance across various scenarios and improves multilingual signage and instructions; in terms of scenario connectivity, it connects all stages of inbound travel across high-frequency scenarios such as food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment, while enhancing public service support; and in terms of data connectivity, it promotes the safe and orderly cross-border flow of data in accordance with laws and regulations. “This systematic approach responds to the objective need to facilitate cross-border mobility in the digital era and represents a pragmatic step toward continuously improving China’s opening-up environment,” Yang said.

　　Strengthening Empowerment through Artificial Intelligence

　　Notably, the Opinions place strong emphasis on the central, enabling role of cutting-edge technologies in enhancing service experiences, overcoming language barriers, and streamlining processes, reflecting a clear orientation toward technology-driven empowerment.

　　Lan Qingxin, Director of the BRICS Research Center at the University of International Business and Economics, noted that the Opinion repeatedly highlights the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Examples include “leveraging AI and other technologies to improve the timeliness and accuracy of foreign-language translation,” “deepening the application of AI, virtual reality, and big data in the consumer sector,” and “actively exploring ‘AI + government services’ applications.” As Lan put it, “This indicates that the policy encourages the use of innovative tools such as large AI models and virtual reality to create smarter and more immersive service experiences.”

　　At the same time, the Opinions also underscore the importance of standards- and rules-building, including the development of translation guidelines, the promotion of standardized service processes, and participation in the formulation of international rules on cross-border data flows. “Driven by the dual engines of technological breakthroughs and standards co-building, the Opinions not only address urgent service needs, but also lay a solid foundation for building a long-term, stable digital service ecosystem aligned with international practices,” Lan said.

　　Lan further pointed out that the policy takes a coordinated approach to development and security by including a dedicated section on strengthening cybersecurity and data protection. It emphasizes enhanced safeguards for high-frequency scenarios such as cross-border payments and online reservations, along with strengthened data classification, tiered management, and end-to-end oversight—aimed at creating a trustworthy digital environment in which overseas users feel confident and secure.

　　Making China’s Opening-Up More Vivid and Tangible

　　This systematic effort to enhance the convenience of digital services for inbound visitors is widely regarded by experts as a vital bridge for deepening interaction between China and the world and advancing high-level opening-up. “The initiative will broaden the multidimensional lens through which the world views China, making its openness more vivid and tangible,” said Yang Ruilong. He noted that it will attract more people, enterprises, and capital, and encourage more individuals to become natural storytellers of China’s development.

　　Lu Chuanying, Vice Dean and Professor at the School of Political Science and International Relations of Tongji University, said that enhancing digital service capacity deepens “hard connectivity” through the optimization of the “soft environment.” First, it facilitates the attraction of high-end factor resources, as a convenient and people-centered digital environment serves as a form of soft power in drawing top international talent. Second, it helps stabilize and expand foreign investment, as transparent and predictable digital regulation and services can strengthen foreign enterprises’ confidence in operating in China. Third, it promotes alignment between domestic and international market rules and standards. In providing digital services to overseas users, this inevitably involves referencing and integrating globally accepted norms and standards, which essentially advances the institutional opening-up of China’s domestic regulatory framework.

　　The Opinions focus on removing bottlenecks across the entire process—from ports of entry to daily travel, consumer payments, and government services—helping global visitors integrate into an efficient, convenient, open, and welcoming digital life in China. This demonstrates China’s sincerity in opening up and its inclusive approach, showcasing through concrete actions the vision and responsibility of a major country. “It marks a shift in China’s opening-up from a model centered on the flow of goods and production factors to a higher-level, institutional form of opening-up involving rules, regulations, management, and standards,” said He Dexu.