For those who plan to visit China

[hawkeyez 45]

Living on the USA/Canada border I have to tell you that the USA does the same thing.

I had a g/f up in Toronto that I used to bring down for weekends. She was Chinese with a Canadian passport, but on the welfare system.

Upon each entry into the USA we had to prove that she had a reason not to stay in the USA and suck off our already over burdened welfare system.

This required proof of residence, proof of attending school, proof her daughter was going to school,pay stubs from job. In other words she had to prove she was going back.

It was explaned to me that once they let you in, there is no way to track you and they don't have the man power to do so. So initial screening is vital.

China has every right to protect themselve just as we do (sort of). With many of us collecting beautiful young Chinese wives with the intension of retiring in China, I understand this completely. With the USA slipping fast into Socialism I expect many will be trying to escape the taxes and street danger of the future. China is my choice.

[bigdog 376]

Traveling to China I had no issues from application to my return. Rules are the rules in each country. My friends who live in China married to Chinese wife's don't have any issues just leave for 24 hours to HK and return. I was never asked for ID by anyone other than flying or at a hotel.

China want a valid passport, form, some special stuff for ABC. levels of visa's, spouse may get 24 month visa, I don't see anything unusual?

[Darnell 8,478]

Still, how is providing evidence of bona fide relationship disrespectful, when one is asking for the privilege to immigrate based on such relationship?

Ah, I see your point.

I don't think it's disrespectful at all. I can understand folk THINKING that it's disrespectful, but come on, that's just those whining about the 'extra stuff' now needed for that tourist visa.

FWIW, maybe you not aware, but there were many USCitizens living illegally in China these last 10 years; a 'visa crackdown' solely on the documentation requirements should stop a lot of silliness in China.

China, like many countries in this world, is seeking steps to help plug some holes in their illegal immigration problem. Asking for a return ticket copy, an invitation, or some other simple requirement helps them in this problem. Before this, anyone could essentially stay as long as they want on a standard 30 day tourism visa. China has no shortage of problems, big and small with illegal workers in China: Sex workers from Africa, Russia, Philippines, etc, foreign language teachers from Europe and North America. If it does anything to curb these people who abuse the travel visa, then its a reasonable requirement.

Concur. 40 points to Gryffindor.

[Ryan H 3,812]

There was a discussion about this on CFL and I'll regurgitate the gist of it here.

If you recall 4 years ago in the run-up to the Olympics, similar requirements were instituted; a short time after the Olympics concluded, the additional requirements were dropped. This October, the National Congress of the CCP is convening to select people for leadership positions. Those selected will take their places when the National People's Congress convenes a few months later.

I look for these requirements to remain in place during the period of the leadership transition. Only time will tell if they remain in place after the transition period is complete.