On 6 November 2014, the Chinese government changed the regulations for short-term work visas.
With the new provisions in place, inter alia businessmen, sportmen and film producers staying in China for up to 90 days will no longer require an "M visa" but instead need to apply for a "Z visa". This means that it will no longer suffice to hold a (renewable) business visa and foreigners will have to obtain (nonrenewable) work certificates.
The new visa regulations came into force on 1 January 2015.