China has decided to extend the relaxed rules on foreign news media operating in the country.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao says the new rules follow the major principles and spirits of the media regulations introduced for the Beijing Olympics.(Www.hXen.com)
It allows foreign jounalists to interview people without having to apply to local foreign affairs departments.
"The Chinese government welcomes foreign journalists to come to China for interviews and reporting, and will continue to make efforts to make it convenient for you to work in China. Meanwhile, we hope foreign journalists will obey Chinese laws and regulations when doing interviews in China, and report about China objectively and fairly to improve mutual understanding of people from China and other countries in the world."
According to the new rules, permanent offices of foreign media and reporters can "temporarily" import, install and use radio communication devices for news reporting after getting approval from the Chinese government.
