The Chinese government is strict concerning adherence to its
laws and regulations. If a foreign teacher breaks the Chinese laws,
they are subject to Chinese punishment, incarceration, and/or
deportation, depending on the infraction.
In most cases, embassies are powerless to help the teacher in
trouble other than notify family and act as consultant. Breaking
Chinese regulations can be as small as not having your Residency
Permit in a timely manner (fine is involved) to being involved in a
traffic accident where the blame is put on the foreigner (large
fines, possible incarceration, probably deportation depending on
the circumstances). The foreign teachers should realize that any
infraction in their own country is probably an infraction in
China.
Foreigners should not participate in any political gatherings
and should be aware that underground churches are monitored.
Participation can be perceived as breaking the law and arrest can
follow. Proselytizing is also not allowed, in or out of the
classroom.
If a teacher of Chinese background enters China using only an ID
card, they are treated as a Chinese citizen in cases of breaking
the law. The embassies have no jurisdiction over that person, even
if a citizen of another nation.
If there are questions concerning specific regulations, these
should be discussed with the school/institution foreign affairs
officer.
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(State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs October 18,
2006)