{"id":14117,"date":"2024-05-30T09:00:15","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T09:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/?p=14117"},"modified":"2025-04-23T09:00:32","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T09:00:32","slug":"why-developing-understanding-of-china-among-the-uks-next-generation-is-critical-to-our-long-term-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/why-developing-understanding-of-china-among-the-uks-next-generation-is-critical-to-our-long-term-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"British youth need to understand China better \u2013 here’s why"},"content":{"rendered":"

A recent adjustment to Beijing\u2019s work permit rules is much-needed positive news for young Brits looking to develop their early careers in China. CBBC’s Managing Director for China Tom Simpson<\/strong> explains where we find ourselves today and what is being done to help revitalise exchanges aimed at developing an understanding of China among the UK\u2019s next generation.<\/h2>\n

The Chinese government recently announced it will remove the requirement for foreigners with university degrees to have two years of work experience when applying for a work permit in Beijing, a policy that may soon be rolled out across the country.<\/p>\n

The rule change is just one of a series of welcome recent measures aimed at tempting tourists, business travellers and students back to China post-Covid, including visa-free entry<\/a> for a growing list of countries, relaxed requirements<\/a> for visas on arrival, and easier payment options<\/a> for foreign visitors.<\/p>\n

\"Launchpad<\/a><\/p>\n

These policies are a response to the sharp fall in the number of foreign nationals visiting as well as residing in China in recent years, and a recognition of the importance of reversing this trend to help strengthen people-to-people ties at all levels.<\/p>\n

According to the most recent national census, Beijing\u2019s foreign population fell from 107,000 in 2010 to around 62,000 in 2020. Meanwhile, the foreign population in Shanghai fell from 208,000 to 164,000 in the same period. Today, the numbers are likely even lower following the worst of the pandemic controls<\/a> in 2022, which led to a large outflow of foreign nationals, particularly in Shanghai.<\/p>\n

Crucially for young Brits, the pandemic effectively paused all the activity which had built up over the years \u2013 or in many cases decades \u2013 aimed at providing exchange opportunities. For three years, students were unable to visit China for study, and the arrival of graduates looking to develop their early careers in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu ground to a halt, save a few resourceful individuals who were able to navigate the visa and border restrictions.<\/p>\n