BEIJING - China has launched an "ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Visa" for the 10 ASEAN countries and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste, the Chinese Foreign Ministry told a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

According to the ministry's spokesperson Lin Jian, China will issue the corresponding category of "ASEAN Visa" for business personnel from the 11 countries, as well as their spouses and children, who meet the requirements. The visa will allow multiple entries within five years and a maximum stay period of 180 days.

Lin said the "ASEAN visa" is launched on the basis of the comprehensive mutual visa exemption with Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and other countries and the issuance of the "Lancang-Mekong visa" to Mekong River countries, aiming to further facilitate the cross-border movement of people within the region.

In recent years, the building of the China-ASEAN community with a shared future has been continuously advanced, and important achievements have been made in jointly building a common home that features peace, tranquility, prosperity, a beautiful environment, and friendship, Lin noted.

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Noting that China and Southeast Asian countries have frequent personnel exchanges, Lin said further facilitating personnel exchanges is a common aspiration for both sides.