I can afford to do that because due to age I am at the end of my working life, and I have other options for jobs if I want to continue working just for fun, and in that respect I do not depend on a system like that in China.

Problem is T, to agree with Mancunian, what if you are a late 40s/early fifties FT with no other options and for who China does give you the respect you can't get elsewhere?

You have done well to retire as a wealthy man, but what of those who haven't?