Foreign leaders and heads of state are being invited by their respective national Olympic committees as registered distinguished guests to attend Olympic activities, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters in Beijing on Thursday.

This procedure is in line with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee and the usual practice of the Olympic Games, Liu told a regular press conference.

"We respect the decision of the national Olympic committees of all countries," Liu said.

China, as host of the 2008 Olympic Games, will provide conveniences in line with the usual practice for foreign leaders and heads of state attending such activities, Liu noted.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2008)