The sudden change in China's visa policies -- more complicated procedures and stricter approval process -- is certainly frustrating Western business travelers.

Just as the U.S. tightened its borders after 9-11, it appears that the Chinese government is trying to strengthen national security for the Olympics. Usually, such precautions are deemed a legitimate course by the international community. Who wants to see what happened in Tibet repeat in other regions on China's territory? Who wants to see the tragedy during the 1972 Olympics in Munich -- where eleven Israeli athletes were taken hostage and killed -- to repeat?

What really has caused the grudge is the disruption of easy, convenient Chinese visas. And the changes weren't communicated effectively in advance.

But, on the flip side, do you know the procedures a Chinese person must go through to get into the U.S.?

For starters, the U.S. embassies in China change their rules often. That's why Chinese travelers check with the U.S. embassy and State Department Web sites before they board a plane to America.

And did you know that Chinese citizens can't even get tourist visas to the U.S.? The situation is changing somewhat this summer as the U.S. starts accepting Chinese tour groups -- but still not individuals. Why loosen the control? Because the estimated per-person, per-visit consumption of a Chinese tourist is $6,000. That's good tourism revenue.

Did you know that Chinese citizens must attend a personal interview session at one of the five U.S. embassy/consulate locations in China to get a visa? But first they have to make an appointment for the interview weeks, or even months, in advance, by phone. Not only does the phone call costs nearly 5 yuan a minute (a normal long distance call in China cost about 0.30 yuan per minute), but often, it's unpredictable when the appointment center will release time slots on which days. So one needs to call again and again to get an appointment on a particular day.

Once visa applicants arrive at the U.S. embassy/consulates in China for their pre-arranged appointment, they must still wait at least two hours in the waiting hall -- sometimes standing in line outside the building in 100 degree weather.

Do you want to know how many documents it takes a Chinese citizen to get a U.S. business visa? Bank statement, real estate document, business license, pay stub, tax document, personal resume, employment letter, marriage certificate, wedding photo ...

Do you even want to know how many Chinese students with full-scholarship packages from prestigious U.S. schools are turned down U.S. visas every summer?

Visa policies are supposed to be reciprocal. But the Chinese rules have been bent to welcome visitors from the West, probably with heavy consideration for tourism revenue and foreign investment.

In spite of the current policy change, I do believe things will return to "normal" after the Olympics. After all, money talks, in both ways.