China warned to lift Internet bans

Beijing -- Chinese authorities must stop their practice of blocking Internet access if the Beijing Summer Games are to boost its reputation, Olympic organizers said.

Kevan Gosper, a top official with the International Olympic Committee, said the wide-reaching Internet firewall would cast a negative light on China, noting, "Our concern is that the press is able to operate as it has at previous Games," The Times of London reported Tuesday.

China blocks access to Internet sites that run counter to Chinese official stances on a variety of issues though it recently allowed access to the BBC and other sites, the Times said.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Hu Jintao gave a "political mobilization order" to Chinese riot police, saying, "Without security guarantees there cannot be a successful Olympic Games, and without security guarantees, the national image will be lost."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.