Bush eases equipment export ban for China Olympics

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. weapons restrictions meant to keep firearms and other equipment out of China were eased on Monday so that athletes and television crews can use them during the Beijing Olympic Games.

President George W. Bush sent a notification to Congress that he had temporarily eased export restrictions to allow American firearms to be used by athletes competing in shooting events.

Bush also eased restrictions on the military gyroscopes in high-definition television camera systems used by U.S. filming crews.

"Licensing requirements remain in place for these exports and require review and approval on a case-by-case basis by the United States government," Bush said in a letter to Congress.

Bush said the equipment would be returned to the United States after the games, which are set to take place August 8-24 in the Chinese capital.

U.S. law restricts the export of certain sensitive defense material and technology to China.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky; Editing by Xavier Briand)