China: China denies reports of Mt Everest ban

China has refuted media reports that it will ban Everest expeditions via Tibet in early May, when the world's highest mountain is scheduled to be a highlight of the Olympic Torch relay.

"We have never published such an announcement and we will accept all expeditions, whether Chinese or foreign," said an official from the China Tibet Mountaineering Association.

"Expeditions will face no problem as long as they conform to the laws and regulations," the official said.

However, another source said, "A couple of days ago (the China Tibet Mountaineering Association) sent an email that said we could only get permits after May 10."

May and September are the most popular months for expeditions on Everest.