China is seriously concerned about and strongly discontented with a reported statement by the U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the Beijing Olympics, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu on Thursday.

Jiang made the remarks when asked to comment on the statement in which Pelosi said "I believe that International Olympic Committee made a mistake in awarding the 2008 Summer Games to China."

Pelosi also said "a boycott of the Beijing Olympics would unfairly harm our athletes", and she supports "the rights of individuals and groups to make their views known about the actions of the Chinese government" when the Olympic torch passes through San Francisco next month.

Jiang said it is the solemn decision made by the IOC to award the 2008 Summer Games to Beijing, which represents the universal aspiration of all the people across the world including the United States.

To ensure a smooth success of the torch relay in San Francisco is the common aspiration of both the Chinese and U.S. people and conforms to the interests of both sides, said Jiang.

"We urge concerned political figures of the United States to respect the spirit and principles of the Olympic Games, adopt a responsible attitude toward the Games and torch relay, and not to do anything that is against the people's aspiration and will disturb and harm the Olympics and torch relay," said Jiang.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2008)