(ECNS) -- China will introduce a new K visa for eligible young science and technology professionals to boost international collaboration, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday. 

The new rules, set to take effect Oct. 1, are designed to promote exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign science and technology experts, Guo Jiakun told a regular news briefing.

Unlike China’s 12 existing visa categories, the K visa will provide added flexibility, including multiple entries, longer validity periods, and extended durations of stay.