China has imposed new rules on Internet news sites in another step to regulate web sites in the country.

The official Xinhua news agency says the new regulations are effective immediately.

It says Internet news sites and content must provide information that is beneficial to the public and state. It added that sites are prohibited from spreading news that goes against China's security and public interest.

Chinese authorities closely monitor Internet content and remove sites they believe are inappropriate. China also requires people to register their websites and blogs.