[File photo/China.org.cn]

Western countries, especially the United States, like to lecture China on the issue of 'freedom'. If so, they don't seem to have heard of the concept of 'freedom of movement'.

From personal experience, I believe that, as a Westerner, it is far easier for me to enter and live in China than for any Chinese seeking to move in the opposite direction.

Admittedly, new American ambassador Gary Locke has promised to try and improve things, which is long overdue.

As a recent Los Angeles Times report demonstrated, any Chinese wanting to visit the US has to have immense patience and prepare to be insulted and rejected.

I have a personal interest as I provide recommendation letters and other help and advice to some of my students who want to study abroad, primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States.

A huge number of Chinese business people, students and tourists, want to visit these two countries. In doing so, they contribute much to the local economy, but that doesn't seem to cut much ice with the immigration authorities.

In regard to the US, as the Los Angeles Times noted, applicants may have to wait as long as 60 days to secure an appointment at one of five American consuls processing visas, where they are likely to face long lines and a highly stressful face-to-face interview that can end in tears.

One of my students gained entry to Harvard University. From her infancy, the parents set aside money in a special bank account to fund her anticipated overseas education. I even saw the bankbook with deposits equivalent to around $80,000.

Nevertheless, after a grueling interview that left her in tears, the consular official rejected her application saying he was not convinced she could support herself! I urged the girl to reapply and she was accepted.

Aware of all the negative publicity, the embassy in Beijing has begun an 'outreach' campaign to explain the tougher visa requirements imposed as part of the anti-terrorist measures after September 11 as well as correct rumors that half of all applications are rejected. Actually, it says, the figure is ONLY 15%.

There is suspicion of some discrimination here. From my experience, it would seem that single women are particular suspect and likely to be turned down.