Related: Full Text of the Regulations

Foreign journalists covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics are free to interview organizations and individuals in China if the journalists can obtain their prior consent, according to a set of regulations issued by the government on Friday.

The regulations on reporting activities in China by foreign journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and the preparatory period will come into force on January 1, 2007 and expire on October 17, 2008.

Foreign journalists will not necessarily have to be accompanied or assisted by a Chinese official when they report in China, Liu Jianchao, director of the Information Department of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference in Beijing.

"Foreign journalists also no longer need to apply to provincial foreign affairs offices for permission to carry out reporting in all provinces of China ... but need only to obtain prior consent of the organizations or individuals they want to interview, said Liu.

Foreign journalists are also allowed to hire Chinese citizens to assist them in their reporting activities, through organizations providing services to foreign nationals, according to the regulations.

"The regulations have been made following international practices and in the spirit of providing convenience for foreign journalists to carry out reporting activities in China during the Beijing Olympic Games and the preparatory period," said Liu.

According to the regulations, foreign journalists who hold valid identity and accreditation cards for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics can also travel to China visa free.

The regulations stipulate that foreign journalists may bring a reasonable quantity of reporting equipments into China duty free for their own use. They may also bring in, install and use radio communication equipment on a temporary basis for reporting activities, after completing the required application and approval procedures.