Reporters receive more protection

China has amended its laws concerning press cards, emphasizing the protection of journalists' legal rights, the government's press office has announced.

"By analyzing the new situation and problems in press card administration in recent years, authorities have improved relevant articles to better perform supervisory duties, safeguard citizens' interest and protect journalists' rights," an anonymous press officer with the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) was quoted by Xinhua as saying yesterday.

The amended measures will take effect on Oct 15, and the old measures issued four years ago will be annulled at the same time, according to an order published on the website of GAPP.