Internet watchdog chief remains ambiguous over Facebook's friend request

The head of the country's internet watchdog yesterday rejected claims that he ever said Facebook could not enter the mainland - while at the same not confirming whether it could.

But Lu Wei, the director of the Cyberspace Administration - formerly the State Internet Information Office - did confirm reports that guidelines for smartphone applications would be introduced soon because some apps "were not in the interests of some users".

Lu insisted that quotes attributed to him recently saying that Facebook could not enter the mainland were false.

"I have never said Facebook couldn't enter China. Nor did I say it could enter China," he said.

"I have never used Facebook. I am not aware that it has been closed down, but I think it may be true that some websites are inaccessible."

Lu said foreign internet companies entering China must, at the basic level, comply with Chinese laws and regulations.

"First, you can't damage the national interests of the country. Second, you cannot damage benefits to Chinese consumers," he said.