China bans sex workers, terrorists during Olympics

By Li Xinran  |   2008-6-2  |     ONLINE EDITION

OVERSEAS visitors suspected of working in the sex trade, of smuggling drugs or belonging to a terrorist organization will not be allowed to enter China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, organizers of the Games said today.

Foreigners with mental or epidemic diseases, including tuberculosis and leprosy, will also not be issued visas to visit China, the Organizing Committee said in a circular published on its official Website.

Entry would be banned to anyone with "subversive" intent upon arriving in China, according to the rule.

"Foreigners must respect Chinese laws while in China and must not harm China's national security or damage social order," the rule states.

The pamphlet, in Chinese only, also banned foreigners from carrying weapons, replica guns, ammunition, explosives, drugs, and dangerous species.

Publications as well as computer storage devices with content harmful to China's politics, cultures, morals and economy are also prohibited, the circular said.

However, visiting foreigners may bring one pet during their visit.

During their staying in China, overseas visitors shall also obey public rules. Drunkards in public areas might be detained by police, according to the pamphlet.

Visitors are not allowed to sleep outdoors and shall keep passports, ID or driver's licenses with them at all times, the pamphlet said.

Some areas in the country are not open to foreigners and overseas visitors will not be allowed to enter, the rule said.

"Foreign spectators will not necessarily automatically get visas just because they have bought Olympic tickets. They need to apply for visas in accordance with rules at Chinese embassies," the list said.

The pamphlet also outlines six activities which are illegal at cultural or sporting events, including waving "insulting banners," attacking referees or players, smoking, and lighting fireworks in venues.