A:What is 'formal offer letter'? Only legally accepted employment offer I know is a Contract! ... so, you just don't accept and sign the contract with the lower salary! Email exchanges, verbal discussions and other promises between you and employer aren't legally binding, so legal action isn't recommended. Mainly legal effective thingy is employer's stamped and signed contract! ... and after you ink it, employer can/will use your signed contract to apply for all necessary documents at Chinese governmental agencies as Working permit and all ... It would be better for you to not accept an employment with such an employer, IMO 'cause you'll experience similar troubles by employer won't respect the contract later on. -- icnif77