The Chinese government refused a request by Canada's television networks to transmit the final footage of Stephen Harper's trip.

No reason was given for the decision, which forced the television media travelling with the prime minister to find another way to send images of Harper's trip back to Canada.

The refusal came as Harper heralded a new era in relations with China, a relationship that would include a frank discussion of human rights and freedoms.

The request was made through the Associated Press television network to use its facilities to send footage back to Canada instead of relying on what could have been an unstable Internet connection in the southern city of Chongqing.

Harper is set to visit the city Saturday to announce the Chinese are lending Canada two pandas.

Associated Press officials told The Canadian Press they informed Chinese authorities that the images would be of the Canadian prime minister, but the request was denied.

Foreign broadcasters in China are often required to get permission before transmitting images out of the country.

Officials with the Prime Minister's Office said they were looking into the incident.