Making it easier to live, work in China

Editor's Note: Gao Xiang is director of policy and regulation for the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, which is responsible for introducing overseas talent to China.

Q: In addition to streamlining the green card process and expanding the pool of candidates, the document released by the central government on Thursday highlights China's attention to overseas talent and its contribution to the country. Does it really help to attract more overseas talent to China by lowering the threshold for obtaining a green card?

A: Offering permanent residence is an important way to attract overseas talent, not only in China, but also in other countries. Green cards offer nearly the same rights of Chinese to foreigners. It makes it significantly easier for foreign talent to stay in China for innovative work or to start a business.