China is likely to extend current regulations on foreign
reporters, granting easier access and promising greater
transparency, after the Beijing Olympics, a Chinese official said
on Thursday.
Cai Wu, Minister of the State Council Information Office, told a
press conference there was no document stating that when this new
regulation expired on Oct. 17 would the country return to the
previous conditions.
He said the regulations had been well implemented to good
effect. Reporters would get better service as it would be
implemented in a more comprehensive way.
"If practices show that it will help the international community
know more about China, it is a good policy in accordance with the
country's reform and opening up. Why is it necessary for us to
change it?" he said.
Peter Ford, Beijing bureau chief of the Christian Science
Monitor, said he was "happy China may extend the regulations".
However, he hoped more efforts would be made to ensure foreign
reporters can get timely information, such as introducing full-time
and more professional spokespersons in government.
According to the "Regulations on reporting activities in China
by foreign journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and the
preparatory period" that took effect on Jan. 1, foreign journalists
would not necessarily have to be accompanied or assisted by a
Chinese official when they report in the country. They also no
longer need to apply to provincial foreign affairs offices for
permission to report in all Chinese provinces.
(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2007)
