Some 200 million computerized "second generation" ID cards will be issued to residents around China, replacing the old cards that have been in use for 20 years.

According to a televised conference of the Ministry of Public Security, by the end of 2005, about 102 million new ID cards had been issued to residents since the massive renewal project kicked off last year.

The renewal had been launched in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and 13 provinces like Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang last year, said vice minister Liu Jinguo.

Liu said over 19 provinces have completed the update of population information, while 13 regions have set up population data and 41,000 local police stations have established a data management system, all benefiting the renewal project.

The newly released plastic chip ID card contains information such as validity periods, authorization institutions and designs of the national emblem. The Great Wall and decorative patterns are printed on the front cover. The card holder's name, gender, ethnicity, birthday, residence, ID number and photo are on the back cover.

China decided to change the first-generation ID card for its quality and security flaws and unrecognizability by computers.

Liu warned local police offices not to charge additional fees in renewing ID cards, while asking them to make full use of this chance to strengthen the local population information management.

The project to upgrade ID cards for 800 million Chinese adults is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2008.

(Xinhua News Ageny March 8, 2006)