BEIJING - The United States has clarified to China through diplomatic channels that reports saying the Chinese might face curbs on US visas were "false", Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks in response to a Financial Times report, which claimed the US government might make it more difficult for the Chinese to receive visas because China restricted the US diplomats' activities in China.

"We have noticed relevant reports. I should say that China and the US are having regular exchanges; there is no such problem as restricting or being restricted," Hong said.