China simplified passport application procedures in 101 major cities, about one third of the total, in 2003, says the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

Residents of these cities can apply for passports by presenting just ID cards and permanent residence booklets, without preparing the required package of documents as before.

The same policy will be extended to 80 percent of major cities across the country in 2004.

It was previously limited only to 25 large and medium-sized cities, such as Shanghai and Nanjing.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2004)