Q: How many foreigners does China expect here during the Beijing Olympic Games? Why does China tighten up its visa policies? My second question is, some foreigners felt their safety under threat in the Carrefour incident happened in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province. How do you comment on this?
A: We cannot predict the exact figure of people to be here during the Olympic Games. All the people who love peace and Olympics are welcome to Beijing. We will be a hospitable host.
As for the visa question, China will follow the Olympic routine and facilitate visa application by foreigners who want to come to China and attend the Olympic Games, an international sports event. Based on the practices of previous Olympics and other large-scale international sports events, we've made due arrangements regarding visa applications of foreigners in light of China's laws and regulations. For example, necessary documents need to be filed with the applications, which I believe is a normal and reasonable requirement. Besides, as for the question of the multiple-entry visa applications, as far as I know, such visas are still issued to those who meet the requirements.
It is more convenient to apply for Chinese visa compared with many other countries. To ensure a smooth entry into China, We suggest foreigners to apply for visas in advance in their home or resident country.
As for the safety of foreigners in China, the Chinese Government always protects the security and lawful rights of all foreigners in China pursuant to law. China is a safe destination. There are no reasons to lose confidence in this. We disapprove of the recent sporadic radical moves, which I believe will be properly addressed in accordance with law.
