Chinese retirees residing abroad now have an easier time processing the renewal of pension qualifications. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security official Lang Xinzhou said the simpler procedure is intended to basically to demonstrate the government’s respect to the nation’s retirees. Pensioners do not have to show retirement certificates, or “proof of living,” to Chinese consulates or embassies anymore in renewing their status. Proof of living is now called a “pension qualification status check.” Foreign expatriates who pay social insurance in the Mainland can also avail of the new procedure.