Which countries require a 24-hour transit visa in China?

I'm transiting through China in Kunming, China.

I'm a South African national and do NOT fall under the 72-hour visa free program. However on [their official (travelchina) website][1] it says:

Nationals of most countries are eligible for the 24-hour direct transit, while a visa is needed for the passengers transiting on Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen passports.

I'm sorry if I'm missing this, but the above is rather badly worded for me does "nationals of most countries" include ALL countries except those mentioned in the list shown?

Also again sorry if I'm missing this but again it is rather badly worded for me. I will fly via Thailand to China and then via China to Canada with an 8-hour layover in China. I see Thailand is mentioned on the list. I have a Thailand residency permit where I currently reside... Would that affect me at all?

Also, any idea if I can exit the airport in China and come back under the 24-hour visa exemption (should I be exempt)?

Many thanks.

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Which countries require a 24-hour transit visa in China? - Straight rural railway running through abundant evergreen woodland trees on clear summer day

Which countries require a 24-hour transit visa in China? - Railway station with clock in classic building

Which countries require a 24-hour transit visa in China? - Photograph of Flag Poles with Different Country Flags

Do I need a visa for transit in China?

24-Hour Direct Transit Under the 24-hour visa-free transit rule, no visa is required for international flight, ship, or train passengers who transit directly through mainland China and will stay for less than 24 hours. Passengers should hold tickets to a third country or region and have a confirmed seat.

Does China allow transit?

24 hour visa-free transitForeign citizens travelling to a third country or region through China by plane, ship or train may stay up to 24 hours in China without a visa. The application for a preliminary entry permit at the Chinese border is a requirement for the visa-free entry.

Which countries requires transit visa?

Country specific list of citizens who require a Transit visaVisa issuing countryCountries whose citizens need an ATV for a specific Schengen member stateAustriaSyriaBelgiumDominican Republic, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Nepal, South Sudan, Sudan, SyriaSwitzerlandSyria, Turkey10 more rows

How do I get a 144 hour visa for China?

Condition

Be a citizen of one of the 53 countries qualified by the provisions and hold valid international travel documents that identify their nationality;

Hold a ticket for a connection to a third country (or region) that will leave within 144 hours of the passenger's arrival.

Transit visa china EXPLAINED properly! 24, 72 and 144 hour visa free | Air china, Shanghai airport

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