BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Minister of Culture Sun Jiazheng has apologized for "not doing enough" to protect cultural heritage against the rapid modernization and expansion of Chinese cities.

    When asked to comment on the reconstruction of Beijing's historic districts by a foreign journalist Thursday, Sun admitted that some cities have single-mindedly pursued a brand-new look, but have paid no attention to the preservation of history.

    "There are things that I should have done and did not do well for which I accept your criticism," Sun said.

    The journalist said reconstruction had only brought destruction, referring to the redevelopment of Qianmen, the one-time very popular business, entertainment and culinary center of Beijing.

    As part of a controversial scheme to "protect historic and cultural relics," some "old and dilapidated" courtyard homes which date back about 700 years will be demolished so as to make way for a pedestrian commercial area by the time Beijing hosts the Olympic Games in 2008. Many people visited the Qianmen area to take their last photos and netizens have protested against the "reconstruction plan".

    In recent years, Beijing authorities have come to realize the problems caused by the redevelopment. They have enacted laws to strictly control demolition and have enlarged the protection areas around the prestigious Palace Museum, popularly known as the Forbidden City.

    However, Sun acknowledged, problems arising from city construction still deserve careful attention. He did not elaborate on concrete measures to tackle the problem. Enditem