BEIJING - CHINA expressed regret at Taiwan's decision not to host a leg of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay, blaming the island's authorities for creating what it called an 'ugly precedent'.

'BOCOG expresses its deep regrets that the Olympic torch relay in the end will not be held in Taipei and the high expectations of the Taiwan compatriots to pass the Olympic flame will not be realised,' the organising committee for the Summer Games said.

'The responsibility for this entirely rests with the Taiwan authorities,' the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) said in a statement on its website.

'The Taiwan authorities have violated the regulations of the 'Olympic Charter' and made great efforts to politicise the Olympic torch relay in Taiwan ... this has set an ugly precedent.'

When speaking of Taiwan authorities, China is usually referring to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, who is despised by the mainland's ruling Communist Party for his efforts to realise Taiwan's independence.

The torch relay negotiations broke down over the sensitive issue of what flags, emblems and songs to use on the island, which China regards as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

A deadline imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the issue passed early Friday.

'The Olympic torch will not come to Taiwan because the two sides were not able to reach consensus over the arrangement of the relay after more than one month of discussions,' said Yang Jong-her, Taiwan's sports minister.

'We deeply regret the result,' the minister added. -- AFP