Hong Kong says Olympic trouble-makers not welcome

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong has made clear that visitors seeking to disrupt the Olympics in the territory are not welcome and would be put on a watchlist, hinting at a more restrictive immigration policy ahead of the August Games.

Hong Kong has drawn fire for taking an uncharacteristically tough line in blocking at least six activists, including pro-Tibet campaigners, from entering ahead of the Olympic torch relay in the city last week.

Rights activists say the curbs are a result of pressure from Beijing and have tainted Hong Kong's image of allowing broad freedoms of expression.

Hong Kong, a former British colony which reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, is to host equestrian events after Beijing failed to establish a disease-free zone for horses.

Its Security Bureau presented a paper to the city's legislature on Tuesday, justifying its position given heightened security concerns.

"The government does not welcome it if any person seeks to damage the solemnity of the Olympics or disrupt the smooth proceeding of the relevant Olympic activities in Hong Kong," the paper said.

"When intelligence indicates that a person's presence in Hong Kong may not be conducive to the public good of Hong Kong, his name may be put on the watchlist. Hong Kong has the obligation to ensure that the relevant Olympic activities will proceed in a safe, peaceful and smooth manner."

Beijing has also toughened visa rules for foreigners entering China via Hong Kong, which has drawn widespread criticism from foreign businessmen highly reliant on swift access to factories and offices in China.

(Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by Nick Macfie)