Chinese authorities have banned newspapers, publishers and web site owners from using foreign words - particularly English ones, BBC reported.

China's state press and publishing body said such words were ruining the purity of the Chinese language.

Economic and social development contributed increased use of foreign words in all types of publications, the statement said, warning that standardised Chinese should be the norm.

The order also extends existing warnings that applied to radio and TV.

Printed media should avoid use of abbreviations and acronyms, and the use of so called "Chinglish", a mix of English and Chinese, BBC informed.

If words must be written in a foreign language, an explanation in Chinese is required, the state body said.