law - Shenzhen introduces new ID card

The introduction of new ID-cards in China started off with medical worker Luan Shaodong from Shenzhen figuring in some of the state-media. The new high-tech ID card would give the government a better grip on its populations than the current cards.
Still, with its large size, intensive migration and the rather unruly character of most Chinese it will be hard for the government to really expand its grip. Among family members and friends the exchange of ID-cards is rather common. When I incidently apply for telecom services with the ID-card of my girl friend (much less hassle than a foreign passport) nobody thinks it is strange the picture on the ID-card is of a Chinese woman, rather than a Dutch man.
Shenzhen hopes all its citizens will have the new ID card by the end of next year and nationwide introduction should start then.