People's Daily is the official mouthpiece, though even their reporting can't always be seen as reflecting the party line. When they run an unsigned editorial though, people consider it an official statement of the Politburo.

Global Times is a more market-oriented venture under their auspices. They have a lot of party guidance, and clearly have an agenda, but that doesn't make all their statements official.

Global Times is not a government site. It's just a newspaper with close government ties. I think they might be private, but either way, they're not an official mouthpiece.

I was told that people with Foreign Expert Certificates are allowed to work second jobs as long as: a) it's a legal job, and b) your main contract doesn't prohibit it.

I'm not sure if it applies to regular work permits as well.

It makes sense for the FEC holders, because that program was specifically designed to bring talent in, and they wanted other local companies and organizations to be able to share the expertise.

@Jakems: Keep in mind that it's not always possible to get your Z visa in Hong Kong. It depends on who the local authorities address the letter to. Apparently Kunming authorities tend to send people home instead (maybe someone who recently got a visa can chime in here).

If you come here without a job, be prepared to spend a month or two looking for work and then getting all the paperwork together for a Z.

I'd say take what's being offered, as long as the pay and location are decent. If you decide you like it here, you can look into another job near the end of your contract.

@Kernalpanx: Are you a Chinese citizen or permanent resident?

"A friend carried about $20K USD back in his coat and it was found by customs at LAX."

That's actually totally legal, as long as you declare it. You'll likely have to fill out some forms, but that's it.

help.cbp.gov/[...]

Of course, with all the asset seizures in the news these days, it's probably still a gamble.