More returning to China than leaving

The number of Chinese people returning from overseas will exceed the number of people going to foreign countries within the next five years, experts predict.

China has already witnessed a significant increase in the number of people returning from overseas, according to a report released on Monday by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

This rising trend has been apparent since 2004, the report said.

About 2.6 million Chinese people went overseas last year for training, exchange programs or education. But more than 1 million Chinese people returned, mainly to the major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

According to the report, jobs related to finance attracted more overseas talent, thanks to the country's rapid economic growth.

Another factor is that many of those returning are single children who would like to look after their aging parents.

However, experts also cautioned that another trend could emerge; more people going overseas for a second time as competition increases and jobs may be scarcer.

Britain, the United States and Australia are the top three destination countries for Chinese people going overseas.