Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao answered journalists' questions concerning the reports from Europe that China will prohibit foreigners from carrying Bible into the Olympic village during the Beijing Olympic Games at the Regular Press Conference on November 8, 2007. Mr. Liu' s remarks are as follows:

We have taken note of relevant report and checked with competent authorities immediately. It turned out to be a pure rumor. The Chinese Government and competent authorities have never formulated such regulations, nor have they released any information like that.

The Chinese Government has always respected and safeguarded foreigners' freedom of religious belief in China according to laws. Provisions on Managing the Religious Activities of Aliens in the PRC clearly stipulates that "When foreign nationals enter China, they may carry printed materials, audio and visual materials and other religious items for their own use". Competent authorities and The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) have never promulgated such regulation as the so-called "ban on Bible in the Olympic village". It's absolutely out of the question for China to do so.

I'm deeply suspicious of the hidden agenda of people spreading that rumor. I hope they stop doing things detrimental to the interest of themselves and harmful to the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and their counterparts around the world.

There indeed are a handful of people who are reluctant to see the Olympics to be held in China, not to say a successful one. They not only stand against China, but also against all the good-will people around the world. The Beijing Olympic Games are not only a grand event for the Chinese people, but for the world as well. Those spreading the rumor and attempting to disrupt the Beijing Olympics should reflect on their erroneous acts and refrain from doing anything detrimental to others and to themselves.

We have taken note that the rumor has exerted certain negative impact internationally, which is the reason that I made official clarification on that just now. Meanwhile, I would like to express my gratitude to the spokesman of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) for his clarification on that.

As to the religious freedom, China's Constitution guarantees the freedom of Chinese citizens to believe or not to believe in a religion. The Chinese Government handles religious affairs in strict compliance with the law and protects normal religious activities of foreigners in China. Therefore, please be assured that as long as you conduct religious activities according to law, your rights and interests will be fully guaranteed here in China.