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

Another important factor that the proposals take into account is to increase the relevance and usefulness of the Chinese green card.

At the moment, when I need to produce identification for official purposes, I always take both my passport and my green card. I have found that the green card is mostly greeted by a blank or quizzical look, and then I am asked for my passport.

In my experience, the purpose of the green card is currently more or less that of a 10-year visa.

Those foreigners who do manage to obtain a green card are people who have a great deal of commitment to China. Most of us consider it to be our home and have a great deal of respect for China and its people.

But respect is a two-way street, so qualification for the green card and recognition as a permanent resident ought to be accompanied by equal access to the services enjoyed by all other permanent residents of China.

That's why the document issued on Thursday is very important. It puts flesh on the bones of the system by proposing that green card holders be put on an equal footing in terms of property purchases, financial services, application for driving licenses, hotel registration and transportation, as well as coverage by the social security system.

In addition, the proposal that automatic machines at railway stations, banks, insurance agencies and hotels should be able to read green card holders' information is one that would make life a great deal easier.

It is to be hoped that the related departments can get cracking and take heed of the central government's call to draft rules for the implementation of these proposals. And the sooner the better, so that more foreign residents in China can benefit from them at an earlier date.