Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu blamed the weekend torch relay disruptions on "Tibet independence secessionists."

"Their despicable activities tarnish the lofty Olympic spirit and challenge all the people loving the Olympic Games around the world," Xinhua quoted Jiang as saying.

The Independent reported the protests by Tibetan supporters and human rights activities turned the 17-mile long relay in Paris into a farce. The British newspaper said the torch itself was put out at least four times, leading to the cancellation of the final part of the parade.

Xinhua, however, reported Jiang as saying the "modes of the relay in Paris were temporarily changed to safeguard the security and dignity of the Olympic torch under the circumstances there."

As China sought to control the damage to its public image, the United States prepared for the torch's arrival Wednesday in San Francisco, the only North American city on the global relay.