Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi made public an announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on November 30 at the regular press conference. The full text of the announcement reads as follows:

Announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

(November 30, 1999)

In order to facilitate personnel exchanges between the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) and foreign countries and regions, the Government of the People's Republic of China will, as from December 20, 1999 when it resumes the exercise of sovereignty over Macao, grant, in principle, continued visa-exemption treatment to those persons of other countries or regions traveling to the MSAR who currently enjoy visa-free access to Macao. In accordance with Article 139 of The Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China which stipulates inter alia that "the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region may apply immigration controls on entry into, stay in and departure from the Region by persons from foreign states or regions", a list of the countries and regions to enjoy visa-exemption treatment and the specific measures concerning the visa application by persons from countries or regions which are not granted visa-exemption status shall be decided and announced by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

As for those foreigners who need a visa for travel to China's mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, they shall still go through the necessary visa application procedures in accordance with the relevant regulations currently in force. (Xinhua)