Five foreign citizens received their Chinese "green cards" Tuesday from Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau (BMPSB) to become the earliest birds benefiting from China's green-card policy launched on August 15.

The team includes American Joan Hiaton, Jane Su, Kyoko Nakamuraand Suzumura Naoko from Japan and Oryshich Klavdia from Russia. Another 23 foreigners were also allowed residency status in Beijing and will receive their certificates soon.

According to BMPSB official Du Taiyuan, the 28 foreigners are from ten countries in Europe, Asia and America. Six of the 28 received permanent residency status and 22 residency.

Eighty-two-year old Joan Hinton, who has been living in China in the past 50 years, said it is a "historical moment" to receive the "green card" and become a permanent resident in the capital city.

"I feel honored and expect the green card to allow me more convenience when entering and exiting China," said Hinton.

Chinese green-card holders do not need to apply for Chinese visa and are allowed to relocate freely on China's mainland. At present, major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing started to issue green cards to foreigners.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2004)