After searching the threads in this forum along with several pages of this thread and the 10 year visa thread, I have a question that I would like feedback on.

Our agent in China tells me that it is very difficult to get a letter of invitation for a business visa, and she is asking me to go there on a business trip with a tourist visa. What are people's thoughts on that? It is a legitimate business trip. I work for a manufacturer of industrial equipment, and she is our only Chinese agent. She also says our customers would not be able to write an invitation letter that would be recognized by the Chinese Consulate, either.

When I have gotten visas in the past, I have always made sure that it was the right type of visa. The only other time I have been in China was for vacation, and I did get a tourist visa for that a few years ago. But if I am on a business trip, I have always gotten business visas in the past. My China visa has expired, and I have to get a new one either way.

Feedback is appreciated. Thank you.