Released on: July 4, 2008, 12:11 am

Press Release Author: cantontradefair.com

Industry: Internet & Online

Press Release Summary: A senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official on June 30th,
Monday defended changes to China\' visa policy, saying they were aimed at ensuring
security for the Olympic Games and in line with international practice. Although
there are some changes in visa application procedures, the new policy is not as
strict as might be imagined. Those who apply to come to China for justifiable
reasons will be given every convenience.

Press Release Body: BEIJING -- A senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official on June
30th, Monday defended changes to the country\'s visa policy, saying they were aimed
at ensuring security for the Olympic Games and in line with international practice.

Security of Beijing Olympic Games was vitally important for the entire international
community, said Wei Wei, director of Foreign Ministry Consular Department.

The Chinese government had always made security the top priority in preparations for
the Games and that meant keeping \"hostile forces\" outside the national boundaries,
he said.

\"Western countries have even tougher visa policies than China,\" he added.

The new procedures for visa applications, adopted in April, were in line with
international practice and appropriate for the perceived security threats, while
allowing regular personnel exchanges during the Games.

\"After broad research on the visa policies during previous Olympics and other large
international sporting events, we found that other host countries of the Olympics
and other major events adopted stricter visa policies than usual,\" he said.

\"Although there are some changes in visa application procedures, the new policy is
not as strict as might be imagined. Those who apply to come to China for justifiable
reasons will be given every convenience,\" Wei said.

According to Foreign Ministry statistics, China issued 6.51 million visas to
foreigners in 2005, 7.4 million in 2006, and 8.13 million in 2007.


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