1984]
NATIONALITY LAW OF THE PRC
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system, where the purpose of administrative law is simply to provide guidelines for authorities to flexibly apply the law in a particular
context.
China's century-old suspicion and anxiety towards foreign coun- tries was undoubtedly present in the minds of the drafters of the Na- tionality Law. The discretionary powers given to the Public Security Bureaus might have been intended to safeguard against any undermin- ing of China's national interest caused by unforeseen events. In view of the abundant goodwill demonstrated by the current leadership in its "open door" policy towards the Western world and the relaxation of domestic control, as well as the Nationality Law's adherence to the spirit of international conventions, this concern for possible abuse of discretionary powers appears unnecessary.
RECEIVED FROM 852 877 0802
01.22.1991
07:00
P.48