> I guess that the rational behind it is that native speakers will have
> the 'best' English. Of course, that is open to plenty of
> interpretation, but they will be more familiar with it as it is their
> first language.
> **PLEASE NOTE** Before you start having a go at me about how racist I
> am, I am not saying that a native speaker makes a good teacher!!
> A good teacher can be native or non native, the qualities vary from
> person to person. Okay?! Don't dump on me about the rules and the
> fairness of it all, talk to the Chinese authorities and customers. I
> know already!

> As for the 'type' of English. Well, I have had Chinese come up to me
> (plenty of times)and ask "Should I learn English English or
> American English?" I reply that you should just "Learn
> English" If you speak US.E or E.E you will be understood no
> matter. *Trying* to put on an accent is just plain silly, though some
> students do pick up accents from teachers if they have them for a
> long time. Most Chinese students have a Chinese accent!

And if most Chinese students have a Chinese accent, it's not only fair but pleasant, too - as long as their pronunciation is clear. Accents are not meant to be acquired but they happen, depending on one's environment.
My interest, by the way, is in discussing a question and not in launching a tirade against any individual. If anyone is a racist, a sexist, a philanthropist, an escapist or any other type-ist that's his problem - not mine and my telling him will probably not reform him.
It's true that teachers can be good, whether they're 'native' or 'non-native' but the questions raised remain unanswered. And the question is not about China alone, as in China they're far more open than say, in Korea.
If a student does acquire something of an accent will that make him/her good at English per se? And is 'first language' the same as 'native language'?
Questions, sir - many questions...each leading to yet more...