China’s sole nationality principle was formulated at the beginning of the People’s Republic of China. However, it was not officially adopted as a legal standard until 1980 when New China promulgated its first nationality act. Sole nationality, initiated as an expedient for foreign policy, was originally designed to help with neighbourliness. However, not only did it fail to achieve this goal, but it even resulted in more domestic institutional discrimination among Chinese people. Nowadays, in such a globalization and ‘humanrightization’ era, international law and domestic nationality laws in most countries throughout the world recognize an individual’s right to a nationality, and accept dual nationality so as to facilitate migrants’ returning to their homelands and help them reintegrate into local communities. Contemporary theory and practice of international law support the legitimacy of dual nationality. Also, China has experience in dealing with dual nationality. It would therefore be legitimate, beneficial and practical for China to restore dual nationality.

I. Introduction
II. Formulation of China Nationality Law
III. Problems with Sole Nationality in China
    A. Sole Nationality Does Not Promote Neighbourliness
    B. Discriminatory Expatriation & Allegiance Conflict
    C. Discrimination against Local Chinese
    D. Impaired Social Justice
    E. Prohibitive Return & Unsuccessful Foreigners’ Permanent Residency
IV. Dual Nationality in International Law and China’s Stance
    A. Nationality: From Identity to Right
    B. Expatriation: From Duty to Right
    C. Prohibition of Arbitrary Deprivation of Nationality
V. Dual Nationality Practice in China: A History
    A. Statutory Dual Nationality (1909-49)
    B. De Facto Dual Nationality in Hong Kong and Macau (1997- )
    C. Dual Nationality in Mainland China (1980- )
VI. Conclusion
References

• Yin Liu(International Law at Huaqiao University (HQU), HQU Institute of Overseas Chinese Legal Affairs, and of HQU Institute of East Asian Legal Culture, South Central China Univ. of Political Science and Law, Zhongnan Univ. of Economics and Law,)