I like China but I wouldn't be able to put up with all the argy-bargy entailed with visas , medicals and residence permits required to live in the country permanently like you( Cunning Linguist) and foxy.

I think the fact that you will become a father in the not too distant is a very good reason for you not living permanently in China. As for the argy-bargy you have mentioned, that pales into insignificance when I think of all the good things that have happened to me because of living in China.

It's clear that an expat in China with a Chinese spouse won't be treated better than an expat in China without a Chinese spouse, except that the former will be allowed to stay in the country permanently whether or not he (or she) is employed.

What I find very surprising is that Guangdong expats are indeed a motley crew. I had known for a long time that public security in that province was poor. I had presumed that was because of Chinese gangsters operating there. I didn't know there were expat criminals in numbers there too! No wonder the Chinese government has revised the visa regulations and increased the penalties for breaking them to such a great extent.