Residence permit renewal with less validity

Hi i just have an enquiry. For the last 2 years, my residence permit is always renewable for 1 year. However, this month when it was renew, its only for 6months. My employer said its a new rule. I am a bit conspicious about it. By the way i am in haerbin city. Is there such a rule in my city that all working foreigners the maximum is just 6 months? Are you aware of this?. Hope u can help enlighten me. By the way i came with a working Z and this is my first city.