BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Xinhua official on Wednesday made some remarks on the Measures for Administering the Release of News and Information in China by Foreign News Agencies, which Xinhua promulgated on Sunday.

    1. In accordance with the Administrative Licensing Law of the People's Republic of China, Xinhua is authorized to exercise administration over the release of news and information in China by foreign news agencies. With the Measures, Xinhua aims to regulate the release of news and information in China by foreign news agencies and the subscription of such news and information by users in China and to promote the dissemination of news and information in a sound and orderly manner.

    2. In 1996, the State Council empowered Xinhua to administer the release of economic information in China by foreign news agencies. All foreign news agencies must submit applications to Xinhua if they want to release economic information in China. In accordance with the Administrative Licensing Law of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on June 29, 2004, signed the Decision of the State Council on Establishment of Administrative Licenses for Items Subject to Administrative Examination and Approval That Need to Be Retained (decree No.412),which once again granted Xinhua the right to conduct unified administration over the release of news and information in China by foreign news agencies. The newly promulgated Measures retain and continue the authorization in 1996. There is no change in our policy toward the administration over overseas news agencies.

    3. The targets of administration of the Measures are overseas news agencies. The administration specifically covers (1) foreign news agencies and other foreign entities of the nature of a news agency that release news and information in China; (2) media and non-media users in China which receive news and information in text, photo, graphics and other forms from foreign news agencies; (3) designated entities which distribute news and information in China for foreign news agencies. In addition, the Measures stipulate that the administrative departments shall receive the supervision of various social sectors including foreign news agencies. We will take an open attitude to do things well in accordance with law and provide good services. Xinhua seeks no economic gains therefrom.

    4. The Measures are aimed at protecting the legitimate rights of foreign news agencies in China and ensure the smooth circulation of financial and economic information. In the meantime, foreign news agencies should abide by China's laws and regulations when releasing news and information in China, and they should manage their business in a legal way in China. The Measures provide a guarantee for the release of economic information in China by foreign news agencies and the use of such economic information by Chinese subscribers. Enditem