From September 1st, residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can apply for mainland residence permits. It's part of a new regulation issued by the State Council. CGTN's Christy Scull has more.

The Chinese government has put forward a series of policies to benefit residents from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions as well as Taiwan. The new regulation on mainland residence permits aims to provide more conveniences for them, while living in the mainland. Shi Jun, Vice Minister of Public Security, explained the details.

SHI JUN VICE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY "With this residence permit, people can enjoy employment, social security, housing fund, healthcare, education and law services. In addition, they'll have the right to register their cars, take vocational qualification examinations, apply for financial services and enjoy the same benefits as mainland residents in shopping, ticket buying and entertainment services."

As for the difference between this new residence permit and the compatriot permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents, officials explained the legislative basis and functions of the two.

HUANG LIUQUAN VICE MINISTER, HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE "The residence permit will be based on this new regulation, while the compatriot permit is based on regulations for the private travelling of residents from special administrative regions. The former one can work as an identity credential as well as provide fundamental living and work conveniences. The Compatriot card is mainly a travel document for residents of Hong Kong and Macao."

LONG MINGBIAO VICE MINISTER, TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE "The new residence permit is an identity card for Taiwan residents to work, study and live in the mainland. Taiwan residents can apply for this permit without having a mainland residence hukou, and they do not need to give up their Taiwan residence."

The implementation of this new regulation will not only provide greater conveniences for residents of these three regions who want to live in the mainland, but also create good conditions for deepening economic collaboration and expanding cultural exchanges among them.