The Chinese government has given permission for special distribution of booklets of the Gospels, copies of the New Testament and full Bibles during the Olympic Games, but other concerns about freedom of speech and expression remain.

The seizure by Malaysian customs officials of 32 English-language Bibles from a Christian woman who was bringing them into the country for a study group has prompted an outcry from Christians in the Muslim-majority country.

Celebrations are planned in China to mark the production of more than 50 million Bibles in the People's Republic by Amity Printing Company, a joint venture between the United Bible Societies and Amity Foundation, a Chinese Christian agency.