AGAINST

Qiao Xinsheng

Legal Daily

A possible consequence of recognizing dual citizenship is that some people who are rich, or in the positions of power, will use it as a tool to shirk obligatory duties. As the social elite, although they have got other country's citizenship, they could manage to get preferential treatment in China.

Besides, implementing single citizenship won't harm the development of science and technology in China as some claim. Scientists can do their research anywhere in the world and make contributions to their motherland as long as they have the willingness. And it may backfire if overseas Chinese scientists are forced to return, as their research may be hampered by lack of local research facilities. Therefore, as long as those scientists are treated as Chinese citizen, they can make contributions to China. It doesn't matter whether they have Chinese citizenship or not. 

Li Long

Freelancer 

Relaxing the current citizenship policy may encourage corruption as dual citizenship facilitates corrupt officials to transfer their properties to foreign countries. They can also run away from China with the help of dual citizenship and thus be free from punishment when their corruption is exposed. In this way holding dual citizenship becomes a privilege for corrupt officials.

From the legal perspective, dual citizenship may also lead to confusions in law application and disputes in enjoying rights and performing obligations. Therefore, it leaves loopholes for some people to commit crimes, taking advantage of another country's different law system.   

Song Xin

Company employee

In my opinion, the government should think twice before lifting the ban on dual citizenship.

First, dual citizenship could bring about an identity dilemma. With dual citizenship established based on attachment to two countries, which side will one choose to take the oath of allegiance to when the two countries are in conflict. No matter what choice is made, one side will be betrayed.

Second, I don't think recognizing single citizenship will attract high-end talents and capital. The attraction for overseas personnel and investments comes from China's huge market potentials. However, if economic turmoil hit China, they would not be kept even if they were recognized as Chinese citizens. In this sense, what the government should do is not to recognize dual citizenship, but to lift restrictions on introducing overseas talents and investment.

Third, the dual citizenship will become an asylum for those who commit crimes in China. The cases will become not only legal disputes, but diplomatic ones. At that time, it will be more difficult to safeguard China's interests.