The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) held a promotional conference on Thursday to introduce China's new electronic passports to more than 100 delegates from foreign embassies and international agencies.

The ministry will strengthen communication with other countries and relevant international organizations regarding the passports, said Zheng Baigang, director of the ministry's Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration.

"China will work with its international counterparts to confront the challenge of global immigration," Zheng said.

Chinese authorities on Tuesday announced the creation of a new type of passport featuring an electronic chip that contains the holder's personal information.

The new passport features an inserted electronic chip that records the holder's name, date of birth, photo and fingerprints, according to a statement issued by the ministry on May 3.

The passports are expected to simplify border control procedures by allowing for easier identification.

The number of passports issued annually by China has increased sharply from 1 million in the mid-1990s to 10 million now, with an annual average growth of 20 percent. About 38 million Chinese hold passports.

Last year saw 20.3 million exits by Chinese residents, a significant increase from 4.73 million in 2000.

Editor: yan