Foxy, could you please go into detail as to the problems with the Chinese version of the visa rules and their English equivalents? Of course, as regards the discrepancies between them.

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/legal/index.pl?read=675

This concerns the issuance of a Residence Permit that is for someone marroed to a Chinese and who does not have a Z visa. The PSB'S rulebook states in English that a medical exam is not required if the permit is for less than 1 year. As a foreigner with a Chinese wife, the only type of non-work related RP I can apply for is one of 360 days or 720 days. However, a year is 365 0r 366 days. So why should I BE forced to take a medical? The PSB HAVE ADMITTED THAT THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE RULE DOES NOT MEAN WHAT THE ENGLISH VERSION DOES. FURTHERMORE, THEY STATED IT WAS BECAUSE THE TRANSLATOR IN BEIJING HAD MADE A MISTAKE.

They also said they can choose not to follow the rules too closely. In other words, local rules apply. I reckon there's kickback, or some form of free medicine/medical treatment between the hospital and Hohhot PSB! The hospital's getting extra medical exams to do because Hohhot PSB is forcing foreigners to take unnecessary medical exams!

For example, imagine a very old old foreigner requiring a Zimmer to walk, with a Chinese spouse, being forced to take snnual medicals. Even if he (or she) failed them, it's ok for him (or her) to remain in China.