WORLD : China Denies Reporter Threats

China today denied threatening foreign correspondents and said they will be safe if they obey Chinese law.

Earlier this week at least six foreign reporters were assaulted by security forces as they covered the first anniversary of the bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations. Soldiers pointed guns at eight others.

“We have never threatened any foreign correspondent,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Li Jinhua told reporters.

“I can tell you that if correspondents are not breaking the ethical code of reporters and are abiding by Chinese law, there will be no unpleasantness and their security will be assured,” she said.

She repeated earlier charges that some foreign reporters had engaged in illegal activities or conducted activities incompatible with their status.

Li declined to identify the reporters she was accusing, nor would she specify what laws were violated.