II-7 Question: China promulgated the Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists During the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period in late 2006. Why were such regulations enacted? Does it mean China begins loosening restrictions on foreign media reporting?

A: The Chinese Government has pledged to facilitate reporting activities in China by foreign journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. The promulgation of this regulation demonstrates that China is honoring its commitment. According to the regulation, between January 1, 2007 and October 17, 2008, foreign journalists who intend to interview any organizations or individuals in China need only to obtain their prior consent, and there is no need for them to file interview requests to local foreign affairs authorities for approval.

Although the regulation focuses on the reporting activities during the Beijing Olympic Games, the experiences of previous Olympic Games host countries demonstrate that reporting during any Olympic Games can by no means be confined to the games themselves. Foreign journalists' reports covered all aspects of a host country, including its political affairs, economy, culture, technology and education. Therefore, the term, “related matters in China,” in the regulation actually gives foreign journalists a lot of leeway to conduct interviews.

To provide convenience for journalists' reporting activities is an obligation of the Chinese Government for hosting the Olympics. China is ready to make necessary adjustments to its current administrative regulations in line with the international practice and its pledges made during the bid for hosting the Olympics. In regard to its media policies, the requirements of the International Olympic Committee and conventions of the Olympic Games will prevail during the Olympics in case any regulation discrepancies arise.

However, when a major emergency or accident occurs, necessary measures will be taken to maintain order. But these temporary measures are not targeted at information blackouts to foreign journalists, but aimed at maintaining public order, which is consistent with universal practice.

The last few years have witnessed the widening of information channels for foreign journalists in China. The Beijing Municipal Government and the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee are ready to accept interviews with foreign journalists. However, some interview requests may not be accepted due to time limitations and other factors. This should not be taken as evidence that they are not acting in line with this regulation. But one thing is for sure: objective and balanced reporting by foreign journalists will make things easier as it will help build sound cooperative ties and trust between journalists and interviewees.

As the 2008 Olympics nears, more and more foreign media organizations will send their reporters to China. Relevant Chinese government departments will further improve their work to provide better services and assistance to foreign media and journalists.

(China.org.cn)