New rules put flesh on the bones of a more equal system

The feeling of triumph I felt when I received my Chinese green card in 2014 was one that I will never forget. Triumph is certainly the appropriate word, as Chinese permanent residents' permits are regarded as one of the most difficult to obtain in the world due to the high requirements involved.

That's why I am pleased to see the proposals in the document issued jointly on Thursday by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council on the management of foreigners' permanent residence, as these will hopefully make things easier for those following in my footsteps.

One of the most important proposals outlined in the document is that the application and approval process will be simplified and shortened. I submitted my application in 2010 and did not receive the treasured card until 2014, so you can see why this proposal rings a bell with me.