Appendix II: Implementation of the Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period(This is the official English-language version of a document from an official Chinese government website).
The preparatory period of the Beijing Olympic Games mentioned in the Regulations on Reporting Activities by Foreign Journalists refers to a period from Jan. 1, 2007, when the Regulations on Reporting Activities by Foreign Journalists came into force, to July 7, 2008, one month before the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. The period of the Beijing Olympic Games refers to the Games-time from July 8, 2008, one month before the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, to Oct. 17, 2008, one month after the closing ceremony of the XXIII Paralympic Games.
The ‘foreign journalists’ mentioned in the Regulations on Reporting Activities by Foreign Journalists refers to resident foreign journalists and foreign reporters in China for short-term news coverage, including journalists of internet media organizations, freelancers, foreign staff of Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co. Ltd (BOB), holders of valid Olympic Identity and Accreditation Cards (OIAC) for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and Paralympic Identity and Accreditation Cards (PIAC) for the XXIII Paralympic Games issued under the authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) respectively. These aforesaid foreign journalists include employees of foreign rights-holding broadcasters, accredited written and photographic press organizations for the Beijing Olympic Games.
The Regulations on Reporting Activities by Foreign Journalists shall apply to the coverage of the Beijing Olympic Games and the preparation as well as political, economic, social and cultural matters of China by foreign journalists, in conformity with Chinese laws and regulations.
Foreign journalists intending to come to China to report or prepare for their coverage of the Beijing Olympic Games should apply for visas at Chinese embassies, consulates or other visa-issuing institutions authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (MFA).
Foreign journalists may bring a reasonable quantity of reporting equipment into China for their own use free of duty. The aforementioned equipment should be taken out of China’s territory after their reporting activities are finished.
During the Beijing Olympic Games and the preparatory period, foreign journalists may, on a temporary basis, bring in, install and use radio communication equipment needed for their reporting, after completing the required application and approval procedures in conformity with Chinese laws and regulations.
To interview organizations or individuals in China, foreign journalists need only to obtain the prior consent of such organizations or individuals.
Foreign journalists with valid visas or certificates, the same as any other traveler, may freely travel to places open to foreigners designated by the Chinese Government.
Foreign media organizations or foreign journalists may, through organizations providing services to foreign nationals, hire Chinese citizens to assist them in their reporting activities. (http://en.beijing2008.cn/upload/Service-Guide-en/Service_Guide_en.pdf - 46 MB file). |