In readiness for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China’s Public Security Bureau has published a phrasebook to help its policemen deal with foreigners, criminally inclined or otherwise. Olympic Security English is a must for the well-prepared officer and a guide for those curious about the fears China harbours beneath its confident facade. Every possibility is covered in a series of imaginary dialogues, from lost passports to petty crime to earthquakes and terrorist attacks, via a long section on synonyms for "forbidden".
In the section "How to Stop Illegal News Coverage", a sports reporter is caught in the act of "gathering news" about Falun Gong, the banned meditation cult:
Policeman: What news are you permitted to cover?
Foreigner: The Olympic Games.
P: But Falun Gong has nothing to do with the Games.
F: What does that matter?
P: You’re a sports reporter. You should only cover the games.
F: But I’m interested in Falun Gong.
P: It’s beyond the limit of your coverage and illegal. As a foreign reporter in China you should obey China law and do nothing against your status.
F: Oh, I see. May I go now?
P: No. Come with us to the Administration Division of Entry and Exit of Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau.
F: What for?
P: To clear up this matter.
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