Statistics Bureau Explains Regulation of Surveys Involving Foreigners (story in Chinese)

In October 2004, the national Bureau of Statistics promulgated regulations on managing social and market surveys involving foreigners, replacing interim regulations first issued in 1999. At a press conference to discuss the new rules, Bureau officials said they are designed to protect China's national and security interests, including state secrets and social stability. See press conference report and questions and answers, printed below. In addition, the measures seem designed to preclude the use of surveys to propagate religion; two provisions prohibit surveys that would violate China's policies on religion or against spreading "evil cults or superstitions."