China’s recent foreign marriage ban represents one of the many legal challenges that foreigners residing in China must face.

The Chinese government’s recent decision to issue “Foreign Permanent Residence Identity Cards” to foreign nationals working in China is a great step forward in facilitating the introduction of overseas talents. The change is not just in name, from the previous “residence permit” to the present “residence ID”.

Crowded cities, interrupted Internet, pollution and lower job prospects are among the reasons for an apparent exodus of foreigners from China. The Chinese government is attracting a new generation of adaptable, entrepreneurial expats with innovations like the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, which circumscribes red-tape business registration, and free work spaces for start-ups.

As the United States takes action, diplomatically and militarily, in the Asian region, the US has been seen as attempting to contain China. Justin Logan assesses this claim, and introduces the idea that the United States is indeed acting to contain China not so much economically, but militarily.