The new regulations, which were recently signed by Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, will be implemented on February 1, 2002 and will supersede the 1997 regulations.

The new regulations have eight chapters, with 68 articles, dealing with general principles, the establishment and administration of publishing organizations, publishing, printing, duplicating and distribution of printed matter, the importation offoreign publications and legal responsibilities, as well as supplementary contents.

The new regulations state that while serving the people, socialism and the publishing cause, with Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong thought and Deng Xiaoping theory as guidance, accumulated science, technology, cultural knowledge must be spread, the fine traditional culture of Chinese nation should be carried forward while promoting international cultural exchange, and enriching andimproving people's spiritual life.

The new regulations emphasize that no publication should have contents related to cult and superstition or contain materials suspected of disturbing the social order or destroying social stability.

The new regulations also stress that importation of foreign publications should be carried out by specialized importation organizations and such importers must meet seven conditions, whichinclude having valid permits, a well-defined scope of business, enough capital and fixed places of business.

The regulations also include penalties for those who violate the regulations.

(People's Daily January 1, 2002)