OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Smisek issued a statement today applauding the new agreement between the Chinese and U.S. governments that will extend short-term tourist and business visas between the two countries from one to 10 years.

"As a global company with an important China route network, we support agreements that simplify travel and remove obstacles for our customers," Smisek said. "China is a fast-growing economy and this agreement will open up travel that will drive economic benefits in the U.S. We urge continued work with other countries to further remove burdensome restrictions on travel."

United provides frequent service to mainland China points of Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai which can benefit from the new visa policy. In addition, United provides multiple daily flights to Hong Kong from the U.S.