According to 11 June 2004 correspondence received from a representative of the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, passports with printed, scanned photos are referred to as "G-series" passports. According to the representative, the G-series passport has been in effect from 1 June 2000 and was introduced through the country in stages (11 June 2004). The representative was unsure of the exact date when Fujian might have started issuing the new passports, however the representative suggested that it was during 2000 (11 June 2004).

Information to corroborate this source could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Representative, Canadian Embassy, Beijing. 11 June 2004. Correspondence.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Ottawa, was unable to respond to a request for information within the time constraints of this Response.