"The torch relay in Paris is the glory and the pride of the people of Paris. It's an opportunity for the people there to show their love for the Olympic spirit," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said.

She said any attempt to disrupt the relay was "a provocation and challenge to people around the world."

Asked if the banner was such an attempt, Jiang said: "Your understanding is correct."

Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe said city hall would unfurl a banner in defence of human rights when the torch comes to the city on Monday.

Pro-Tibet activists have called for protests over China's crackdown in Tibet during the torch's 19-country tour.

Delanoe said the banner would read "Paris defends human rights everywhere in the world" but Jiang said the spirit of the Games, which will be held in Beijing in August, should be respected.

"We hope the relevant organisations can respect the spirit and principle of the Games and not do anything that goes against the will of the people or anything that disrupts or undermines the torch relay," she said.