Comment on "Foreigners will be faced with a question of identity" (China Daily, May 29)

I had my Canadian passport stolen by pickpockets in Shanghai. The police told me this happens quite frequently, as Canadian passports have a black market value.

Getting a replacement at short notice was naturally a hassle, and I couldn't leave China without one.

I don't mind carrying some kind of ID, but the authorities are doing the foreign community a disservice by insisting on a passport. The passport should be left back home or in a hotel, preferably locked in a safe.

Egan, on China Daily website

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(China Daily 06/01/2012 page9)