Thousands of open doors in China for foreign students

“Come and see.” Those were the words Philip used to answer Andrew’s question about whether anything good could come out of Nazareth (John 1:46). During the APEC Summit in San Francisco in November 2023, President Xi Jinping met with President Biden. At the meeting President Xi invited 50,000 young Americans to come and see China on exchange and study programs in the next five years.

To put this number in context, consider that before COVID-19, there were about 11,000 American students in China in 2019. During COVID-19 this number fell drastically. When the current US ambassador was starting his term in China, he tasked his team to find out how many Americans were studying in China’s universities. The number they came up with in 2022 during COVID-19 was 350. By the end of 2023, the US ambassador estimated this had increased to 700. This leaves a huge gap to close for China to realize its hopes of welcoming 50,000 young Americans over the next five years.

In addition to welcoming young Americans, China has also opened up visa-free travel for citizens from a growing number of countries. This list is expanding almost monthly. There are now 37 ports of entry offering 144-hour visa-free entry to citizens from 54 countries, including the United States. On my last entry to China, I could see the change as the immigration line for foreigners had gotten substantially longer compared to my previous trips. In addition to streamlining visa policies, China has also been restoring international air links that were curtailed during COVID-19. Another result of the Xi-Biden summit in San Francisco was a further increase in US-China air links in 2024.

Since China’s top leader has pushed for American youth to come to China, the Chinese system has already started responding with programs to facilitate these visits. Students interested in China should definitely explore scholarship opportunities. There are several online resources for students interested in exploring scholarship opportunities. Additional new scholarship programs were announced earlier this year. Chinese academics and thought leaders have been discussing how China can become more welcoming and facilitate these kinds of educational and cultural exchanges.

I recently heard a speaker with decades of experience in China lay out some challenges for those interested and previously involved in China:

1. If you already had a 10-year multiple entry visa, it is still good within the original validity period. If not, get a new 10-year visa.
2. A number of cities offer 144-hour visa-on-arrival programs that make quick trips possible.
3. Plan to do three short term trips (30 days or less) to China in the next year.
   If you were previously in China, not being there during COVID-19 is well understood by everyone. 
   If you do not re-enter now, it will take a long time to rebuild relationships.
4. Think about small and medium sized initiatives—people rich (incarnational presence) and asset light.
5. Scholarly exchanges have a lot of value—many educational locations are open and welcoming.
6. Innovate inside the box.

I encourage any young Christian adult to explore what role China may have in their life. No matter where you live, travel, or work in the world, China will be a part of your future. China is playing an increasingly important role in global affairs in almost every sphere of activity. Chinese companies are going global and looking for employees. China has opportunities for cutting edge research in certain fields. This is a good time to visit China, perhaps even to spend some time in a study or exchange program. Gaining some understanding of this country and people can only benefit your life and career.

I often hear Christians outside of China talk about restrictions in China. While there is truth to this information, we should also be listening when there is a warm welcome and open door. China wants and needs the people-to-people connections with countries around the world. China is creating the avenues for people-to-people education and cultural exchanges. Christians should be among the first to respond to openings like this.

I meet many Chinese Christians who share how a foreign student, teacher, or friend was used by God to play an important part in their coming to Christ. These opportunities still exist in today’s China, and a new generation needs to see a living example of God’s truth and love. There are opportunities to come alongside Chinese brothers and sisters and encourage them as they go through a more difficult period for their churches. Our Good Shepherd is the one who said, “I have other sheep. I must bring them also" (John 10:16). While restrictions and opposition exist, there are also many people looking for hope and meaning in their life. You do not have to look far on social media and popular culture in China to find all kinds of symptoms and expressions of need and longing. The gospel is good news for us to share.

In recent months, other writers at ChinaSource have given encouragement and examples of what can be done.¹² In the Bible we see men and women commended for their actions demonstrating their faith in God. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Looking at your schedule over the next year and finding a time to make a trip to China
• Checking out educational scholarships and programs in your area of study at China universities
• Contacting your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate about their programs for youth exchange programs with China
• Encouraging your church to organize a short-term team to China.

Originally published by ChinaSource. Republished with permission.

From more than 30 years Peter Bryant (a pseudonym) has had the chance to visit, to live for extended periods of time, and to travel to almost all of China’s provinces. As a Christian business person he has met Chinese from all walks of life. He has a particular interest in marketplace ministries and business as mission and enjoys working with emerging Chinese leaders.