Spokesman Qin Gang said China was not suspending all multiple-entry visas and that foreign visitors were still welcome.

Voice of America said the clarification came after several weeks in which Beijing had declined to comment on the new strictness, which was concern to U.S. and European business groups who had seen an upswing in the number of rejected applications.

The Summer Games have become a focus in recent months of European and U.S. activists protesting Chinese policy in Tibet.

Qin said the current visa requirements remained within the scope of Chinese laws and standard practices for large-scale events such as the Olympics.