A senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official on Monday defended changes to the country's visa policy, saying they were aimed at ensuring security for the Olympic Games and in line with international practice.

Statistics from Beijing Tourism Bureau show that over 3.5 million people, including domestic and international tourists, are expected to come to Beijing from August 8 to 24.

Crackers and fireworks will be banned across Beijing from July 1 to Oct. 8 for safety considerations before and during the Olympics and the Paralympics, the city's safety administration said Monday.