I think have more freedom than FTs shackled to a system that needs compulsory medicals and residence permits. Of course there are negatives to the L visa way. But having a Chinese wife in a country that gives me almost no extra visa privileges for that

First of all merry christmas to you and yours.

Then the system needs changing surely from all the medicals and residence permits? Shanghai is the only part of the way leading up change by offering 2 year work visas. In Singapore, and certain south american countries, you can become a resident with a passport after a number of years, provided you are gainfully employed in a job that is needed or you bring in X amount of cash to the country. Even if you bring a lot of cash into China, marry, have a job, still no Chinese passport! I agree, but I am just curious as to what extra visa privileges you get for being married? An aussie guy I knew preferred the Z visa way, because he hated the hassle of the Ls, even though he had a chinese wife?!