No Chinese troops on Australian soil: McClelland

The Federal Government says Chinese troops will not be welcome in Australia to guard the Olympic torch relay as it passes through Canberra in late April.

China has reportedly asked for its army to provide the security after pro-Tibetan protesters disrupted the lighting of the torch in Greece earlier this week.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland says he is not aware of any official request from China, but says any offer of assistance would not be accepted.

"The short answer is no," he said.

"Australia takes responsibility for its own security, and that is the case whether we're dealing with a visiting dignitary from overseas, whether we're dealing with APEC, whether we're dealing with a national or international sporting event."