ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, August 6, 2008 (AFP) - The United States is formally protesting China's decision to deny US Winter Olympic champion and Darfur anti-violence campaigner Joey Cheek an entry visa, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Thursday.

'We were disturbed to learn that the Chinese had refused his visa,' said Perino, traveling with President George W. Bush in Asia.

'We are taking the matter very seriously. We have sent in our embassy in Beijing to demarche the Chinese. That is where we're going to say we are concerned about this and want you to reconsider the actions,' Perino said.

'We hope they change their minds,' she said.