Several overseas organizations alleged some Chinese "were put into custody because they had expressed different political opinions," and this allegation was untrue, he said.

The spokesman also reiterated China would ensure media freedom during the Olympics, saying it would do its best to serve the journalists coming to cover the sports gala.

China would earnestly abide by the regulations on foreign journalists' reporting activities in the country during the Olympics and preparatory period, he added.

Under the regulations, which took effect on Jan. 1 last year, foreign journalists no longer 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 of the country's provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

"The regulations have been well implemented in the past year, which won positive remarks from overseas media on the whole," the spokesman said.

He pledged China would continue to do its best to facilitate the reporting activities during the Olympics.

"Sometimes, we may not be able to satisfy all the reporting needs of journalists due to various reasons, such as security, but we will strengthen coordination of different departments and do everything possible to satisfy their demands."

Senior leader Li Changchun pledged last week that China would provide high-quality media services for journalists covering the Olympics.

"If you are dissatisfied, you can file your complaint directly to Liu Qi, president of Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad," Li, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, told reporters at the 2008 Beijing International Media Center (BIMC).

The opening of the BIMC, together with the Main Press Center (MPC) and International Broadcasting Center (IBC) of the Olympic Games on July 8, kicked off the media service for the event. About 30,000 accredited and non-accredited reporters are expected to cover the Games.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2008)