Hong Kong set for Olympic activists

09.05.2008

Hong Kong has made clear that visitors seeking to disrupt the Olympics in the territory are not welcome and would be put on a watch-list, hinting at a more restrictive immigration policy ahead of the August Games.

Hong Kong has drawn fire for taking an uncharacteristically tough line in blocking at least six activists, including pro-Tibet campaigners, from entering ahead of the Olympic torch relay in the city last week.

Rights activists say the curbs are a result of pressure from Beijing and have tainted Hong Kong's image of allowing broad freedoms of expression.

Hong Kong, a former British colony which reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, is to host equestrian events after Beijing failed to establish a disease-free zone for horses.

"Hong Kong has the obligation to ensure that the relevant Olympic activities will proceed in a safe, peaceful and smooth manner."

Beijing has also toughened visa rules for foreigners entering China via Hong Kong, which has drawn widespread criticism from foreign businessmen highly reliant on swift access to factories and offices in China.