BEIJING (AP) _ China began recruiting 100,000 volunteers Monday for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

Chinese organizers say volunteers will be recruited mostly from Beijing universities, other mainland Chinese cities hosting events, as well as Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Chinese living abroad and foreigners are eligible, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

They will help with translation, transportation, security, medical services and cultural activities. Xinhua did not give details on the recruiting process or how volunteers will be chosen.

``An Olympic Games stands no chance of success without a team of well-trained volunteers and high-standard voluntary services,'' Xinhua quoted International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge as saying at the launch ceremony.

Li Binghua, executive vice president of the Beijing Olympics organizing committee, said 70,000 volunteers will be needed for the Olympics. Another 30,000 will help with the Paralympics, which have been held at the same venues shortly after the Olympics since the 1988 Seoul Games.

Volunteers will be recruited in Beijing immediately while applicants from other parts of China will have to wait a little longer, Xinhua said.