Mixed reaction of new 'Elderly Rights Law'

The newly amended Chinese law requiring people to pay frequent visits to their elderly parents has sparked a heated discussion here in China, but there's just as much confusion among Chinese living abroad. Many say that complying with the law appears to be next to impossible.

It's become a nightly ritual for 50-year old Joey Sze; chatting with his elderly parents in China over the Internet. It makes the distance more bearable, says Joey, who's been living in the Philippines for the past 38 years. But there was a time he thought he'd never see them again.

Overseas Chinese Joey Sze said, "For 12 years, I didn't see my parents, not even once. So when I saw them again for the first time after 12 years, I couldn't even call them Papa and Mama. I just wasn't used to it."

But he quickly got over the anxiety and has since been supporting them financially. And together with his own family, he visits them a few times each year. But a few times each year may not be enough now.

Joey said, "Impossible. Of course I want to be with my parents as often as I can, but I have to work, I have to take care of my own family."

A sentiment shared by many in the local Chinese community though many also feel that China's booming economy may have altered its people's value system.

So many people in China now have become selfish. They don't care about anyone else but themselves. So I understand why it was necessary to create this law.

CCTV correspondent Barnaby Lo said, "It's safe to say there is no unanimous view right now on China's amended Elderly Rights Law among overseas Chinese here in the Philippines. But one thing's for sure, the law serves as a reminder not only for the Chinese people, but for everyone, that our elderly parents need our care and attention one way or another."