Although the announcement suggests that China has adopted a more relaxed attitude towards protesters during the Olympics, anyone wanting to protest will have to apply for permission from the city's government and police meaning that, in reality, there will be few anti-government protests.
Liu Shaowu, director of the Beijing organising committee's security department, said protests would be allowed in Shijie, Zizhuyuan and Ritan parks, but remained unclear about how potential protesters would apply for permission, and on whether spontaneous demonstrations would be allowed.
"As for the concrete application, and who handles those applications, I have no clear information at this time," he said.
Previous Olympic host cities have set aside areas for protests and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that they encouraged the Chinese authorities to do the same.
