China is world’s second-largest economy but its passport is ranked 63rd. Are things looking up?

BEIJING: When bank executive Zhou Wei heard he would no longer need to apply for a visa to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand come early 2024, he earmarked them as his next possible holiday destinations. He rejoiced at the news because “it’s the feeling of being respected”, Zhou told The Straits Times. “For too long, I’ve felt that the privilege of holding a Chinese passport does not measure up to our standing as the world’s second-largest economy,” said the 36-year-old Beijing resident. “Why should I spend money in countries where I don’t feel as welcome?” Over the last few months, it has become easier for Chinese citizens to visit South-East Asia as visa-waiver programmes were rolled out to again draw…