Originally Posted by
garykung
Personally, I don't believe that is relevant at all. FWIW - many problems in China can be resolved by relationship and money. Don't see how the tiers make the difference IMHO.
This seems to be less true over time. My experiences in Beijing and Shanghai over the last 5 years tell me that mid-level government officals have less control then they use to have, and it is harder for them to violate the rules, such as approving a work visa for somebody who is over 60.
Outside fo the tier one cities, relationships and money can still solve problems.