China's Olympic diving gold medallist Tian Liang.

China has banned its athletes from taking part in all kinds of social activities in the run-up to Beijing Olympics, according to report on Thursday.

"In order to prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, our country's athletes, including celebrity¹ athletes, are banned from participating in all kinds of social activities," the China Sports Daily quoted Sports Minister Liu Peng as saying.

"Athletes who participate in social activities are relatively² easily distracted. If this is not regulated, it may interfere³ with their training and be detrimental⁴ to Beijing Olympic preparations," Liu said.

"But exceptions will stand if they get the permission from the SGAS in advance," he added.

China holds its athletes to strict standards of conduct in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

Olympic diving gold medallist Tian Liang was kicked off the national team in 2005 for taking part in a rash of television ads and endorsements⁵.

In May, Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang came under fire for signing a deal with the Baisha corporation, a tobacco giant.

Chinese sports authorities keep a low key about the country's prospect⁶ of topping the Olympic medals table in 2008, but they are deploying⁷ their full forces to fulfill⁸ the mission.

"We face a very stern test at the 2008 Olympics," said Liu. "Everybody should stay focused."