Beijing - The following is the full text of "Measures for Administering the
Release of News and Information in China by Foreign News Agencies" issued by
Xinhua News Agency on Sunday.
Measures for Administering the Release of News and Information in China by
Foreign News Agencies
Article 1. These Measures are formulated in accordance with national laws,
administrative regulations and the relevant regulations of the State Council 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.
Article 2. These Measures shall be applicable to the release of news and
information in text, photo, graphics and other forms in China by foreign news
agencies.
For the purposes of these Measures, foreign news agencies include other
foreign entities of the nature of a news agency that release news and
information products.
Article 3. Xinhua News Agency exercises unified administration over the
release of news and information in China by foreign news agencies.
Article 4. According to the Decision of the State Council on Establishment of
Administrative Licenses for Items Subject to Administrative Examination and
Approval That Need to Be Retained, for releasing their news and information in
China, foreign news agencies shall be subject to approval by Xinhua News Agency
and shall have entities designated by Xinhua News Agency act as their agents
(hereinafter referred to as designated entities). Foreign news agencies shall
not directly solicit subscription of their news and information services in
China.
Except the designated entities, no unit or individual shall distribute news
and information of foreign news agencies or act as their agents.
Article 5. To apply for releasing news and information in China, a foreign
news agency shall meet the following requirements:
(1) being legally qualified in its home country or region;
(2) enjoying good credit in the field of news and information release;
(3) having an explicit scope of business;
(4) possessing the technological and transmitting means commensurate with its
business; and
(5) other requirements as prescribed by Chinese laws and administrative
regulations.
Article 6. For releasing news and information in China, a foreign news agency
shall submit a written application and the following materials to Xinhua News
Agency:
(1) legal credentials issued by the competent authorities of its home country
or region;
(2) its records of good credit issued by the relevant organization of its
home country or region;
(3) a detailed list, explanation and samples of the news and information
release;
(4) an illustration of its transmitting means; and
(5) other materials as specified by Xinhua News Agency.