Olympic Games

China’s new plan for press coverage of the Olympic torch’s ascent of Mount Everest has touched off a new controversy.

Health experts and media groups said Wednesday the plan will expose reporters to undue health risks due to the altitude.

It also underscores Beijing’s worries about reporting in Tibet and adds another sour note to what Beijing hoped would be a grand feat _ taking the torch up the world’s tallest peak. Like the entire torch relay, the event has become more contentious after last month’s protests of Chinese rule in Tibet, where Everest stands.

Under the new schedule introduced by Beijing Olympic officials Tuesday, reporters’ time in Tibet would be halved, to about 10 days, most of it in transit. The trip from Beijing, just above sea level, to the Everest base camp at 16,800 feet would be compressed to three days _ a third of the adjusting time experts recommend to ward off the sometimes fatal effects of sudden exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitude.

“To take a week or two, it’s acceptable, and to take three days, it’s ridiculous,” said Dr. Robert Schoene, a mountaineer and expert on altitude sickness at University of California-San Diego. “If you take low-landers who are healthy, almost everybody, at least 80 to 90 percent, would get acute mountain sickness in three days.”

The plan drew complaints from most of the nine foreign media organizations invited to Everest, including The Associated Press.

The journalists expressed concern about the health risks in a letter to the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee. BOCOG replied it “was carefully studying and considering” the request for more time to adjust and agreed to leave Friday, 24 hours earlier than proposed.

It was not clear if the additional day would make a difference. Organizers have said the mountaineering team at Everest base camp might set out as early as Saturday, weather permitting. That would put the group on track to reach the summit May 1, a holiday in China.

The rushed schedule underscores Beijing’s unease over Tibet and fears that the presence of foreign reporters could incite more protests.

Tibet and Tibetan communities across a large slice of western China remain closed to foreign reporters following the widest, most sustained uprising by Tibetans against Chinese rule in nearly 50 years. Twice in the past month, government-arranged tours for foreign media have been disrupted by protesting Buddhist monks.

“What is the Chinese government hiding behind Tibet’s closed doors?” the Paris-based media freedom group Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday. The group and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists cited the shortened schedule of the Everest torch relay as a worrying sign of lack of access to Tibet.

Officials have been vague about when the ascent would be made, saying it would likely be in May. The reticence is partly due to unpredictable Himalayan weather at the 29,035-foot peak and partly to deter protesters, who unfurled a pro-Tibetan banner at base camp last year.

In neighboring Nepal, on the southern side of the border-straddling mountain, authorities said Wednesday they caught an American with a “Free-Tibet” banner at its base camp and forced him to end his climb.

The Everest ascent _ to be broadcast live in China by state-run TV _ has been celebrated as “the brightest point in the torch relay” by Chinese media. A special torch was designed to keep the flame burning in Everest’s thin air, and a road was built on the permafrost to base camp.

Even before the recent protests, Beijing was reluctant to let foreign media cover the ascent and only relented in January after International Olympic Committee pressure.

BOCOG said the schedule changes were necessary due to foul weather at base camp, and it played down reporters’ concerns about altitude sickness.

“This is a high-altitude region and we don’t want to keep you there for too long,” said BOCOG spokesman Shao Shiwei. When reporters cited doctors’ warnings about the increased danger of a shortened period to acclimatize, Shao said: “If you stay up there too long it may be even more dangerous to your health.”

Some people suffer altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness, even at 7,000 feet, experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea. The symptoms can become particularly severe above 14,000 feet, resulting in swelling and the buildup fluid in the lungs or the brain that in some cases can be fatal, according to experts.

Fresh anti-Western protests flared in several Chinese cities Sunday as people vented anger over pro-Tibet demonstrations along the Olympic torch relay. State media appealed for calm in an apparent attempt to dampen the nationalistic fervor.

Over the weekend, protesters waving Chinese flags have rallied in front of the French Embassy in Beijing and at outlets of French retailer Carrefour in nine cities across the country. They have threatened boycotts of the retailer, whom they accuse of supporting the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader _ a charge Carrefour denies.

A front-page editorial in the People’s Daily newspaper, the official mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party, called for calm, urging people to cherish patriotism “while expressing it in a rational way.”

“As citizens, we have the responsibility to express our patriotic enthusiasm calmly and rationally and express patriotic aspiration in an orderly and legal manner,” the commentary said.

The editorial seemed to reflect concern among China’s leaders about a growing anti-Western backlash, fueled by anger over the demonstrations in Paris, London and San Francisco during the Olympic torch relay. The relay has become a magnet for protests against China’s rule in Tibet and its human rights record.

Barry Sautman, a political scientist at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said the government is trying to rein in the demonstrations in order to ensure calm and project an inviting image ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August.

“That’s why they want demonstrations to be very short,” Sautman said. “They want to wrap them up as soon as possible so they can go on to restore the image of China as welcoming to people around the world.”

He said that Beijing’s move to rein in the budding nationalism follows similar patterns seen in the past, such as in 1999 when anti-U.S. outrage erupted after the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade and in 2001 when a U.S. spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter jet.

“The government allows people to vent their spleen but then immediately reins it in,” Sautman said. “They are certainly afraid it will go too far.”

On Sunday, more than 1,000 demonstrators carrying banners gathered for a second day in the tourist city of Xi’an in front of a Carrefour, chanting “Oppose Tibet Independence,” “Go China,” and “Condemn CNN,” the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Protests also continued in central Wuhan for a second day, when another 2,000 people, mostly students, waved the Chinese flag and sang the national anthem.

Rallies also were staged in the cities of Harbin, Dalian, and Jinan. An estimated 1,000 demonstrators blocked traffic in Dalian, while another 1,000 protesters in Harbin held up at a 33-foot-long banner in support of the Olympics, Xinhua said.

Xinhua reported that one protest organizer in Xi’an, identified as Wu Sheng, said the demonstrations were not necessarily aimed at pushing customers to boycott Carrefour.

“We do not support a boycott of French companies because the economy is globalizing. We chose Carrefour’s front doors only because we draw more attention there,” Wu was quoted as saying.

In an interview published in Journal du Dimanche, Carrefour’s chief executive Jose Luis Duran said the company is “taking the situation very seriously,” though its earnings had not yet been affected.

With 2 million Chinese customers, “we cannot take the reaction of some of our clients lightly,” he said. “It must be understood that a large part of the Chinese population has been very shocked by the incidents that have peppered the passage of the Olympic torch through Paris.”

Duran denied rumors spread on the Internet that Carrefour supports the Dalai Lama, saying the company has never supported any political or religious cause. The retailer is the second-largest “hypermarket” in the world after Wal-Mart Stores Inc. It has 122 stores in China employing 44,000 people.

The protests began Saturday, erupting in Beijing and five other major cities _ Hefei, Wuhan, Kunming, Xi’an, and Qingdao.

In Beijing, small protests broke out at one Carrefour and outside the French Embassy as well as the Beijing French School. Dozens of police, some in riot gear, quickly dispersed the crowd in front of the embassy.

Anger also has been channeled against Western media organizations, including CNN, for so-called “distorted” coverage of recent unrest in Tibet and neighboring provinces. Foreign journalists have received threatening phone calls and e-mails.

Several thousand ethnic Chinese marched outside CNN’s office in Hollywood Saturday to demand the firing of a commentator who recently compared China’s leaders to a “bunch of goons and thugs.”

CNN insists its coverage has been impartial and has said it refutes allegations that it “distorts its coverage of the events in Tibet to portray either side in a more favorable light.”

The recent turmoil caused by Tibet-independence activists trying to disrupt the smooth procession of Olympic torch relay has aroused world-wide attention to China. As a protest to the above action, hundreds of thousands of students abroad initiated demonstrations to protect the torch and to go against their independence activities, from which, Chinese students’ patriotism has been revealed to the utter most form.

The history of patriotism among Chinese students could date back to as early as one thousand years ago, during which, the occurrence of the May 4^th Movement might be cited as a good instance for students to show their affection for China. In the wake of the movement, ignited by the demonstration led by Chinese students in Beijing, they won mass workers support, boycotted Japanese goods, stimulated an intellectual revolution, and enhanced the subsequent creation of the Chinese Communist Party. In different ages, the causes and manifestations of patriotism may vary greatly from each other. Nevertheless, patriotism can never be wrongly associated with anything extreme like narrow minded nationalism, or violent movements.

Therefore before advocating patriotism among Chinese students, a clear definition should be given and certain features should be clarified. According to what standard Chinese textbooks teach school children, patriotism “is a kind of deep affection for one’s own country that is cultivated during a course of history that dates back thousands of years”. Distinct from nationalism, such affection for one's own country does not presuppose exclusive or hostile feelings towards other countries or cultures. It by no means equates to violent protests or anything going towards extremity, like the event that during the recent Asian Cup soccer games, some Chinese soccer fans hurled insults at Japanese fans out of nationalistic sentiments that some called “patriotic zeal” and some other events as happened in earlier times and which even deteriorated and exited bad influence on diplomatic relations.

By contrast, good evidence of patriotism can be seen when NATO forces bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade—a strike that most Chinese still consider a deliberate action. The attack inflamed Chinese so much that a throng of 3,000 students tore up the streets of Beijing and papered campus walls with anti-U.S posters to show that China would not let other countries push it around. Similarly patriotism was demonstrated through the parade by the Chinese students who study in London to go against the independence of Tibet from China and to support China as the host of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games after demonstrators in London grapping the Olympic torch and trying to snuff out its flame.

Although it is taken for granted that the people of a sovereign state should love their country, there is a proper way to behave if they are to truly show their love for China and bring it glory and honor. In current China, however, patriotism constitutes the broadest-based appeal to unite the Chinese people for concerted efforts towards bringing about a well-off society. As the host of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, China needs to present to the whole world a peaceful, hospitable and harmonious country, rather than a barbarian and violent one.

On April 7, a man attempted to sabotage the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in Paris, France. This photo shows the torchbearer protecting the torch as authorities wrestle the man to the ground

(PARIS, April 8) -- The fifth leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay kicked off at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, at 12:30 (GMT +2) on April 7. Here, a 27-year-old woman named Jin Jing, the third torchbearer in the relay, garnered much attention from media for her bravery.

A wheelchair user, Jin of Shanghai, China, had been repositioned one kilometer off the original course due to last minute modifications to the route.

Carrying the torch on the new course along the Seine River, Jin demonstrated great valor when a "pro-Tibet independence" activist, attempting to disrupt and sabotage the torch relay, reached for her wheelchair and lunged toward her. Without concern for her own safety, Jin did her best to protect the flame, her face exhibiting courage and pride in spite of the chaotic situation.

In that moment, it was easy to see why her friends call her the "smiling angel in a wheelchair."

But her bravery is not incidental. In 1989, when Jin was in third grade, a malignant tumor was found in her ankle, leading to amputation of part of her leg. She later returned to school after a year of chemotherapy. Refusing to use a cane for fear that she would get in people's way, Jin insisted on getting around on one foot. Her persistence would lead to a lot of pain, but she would survive.

Successfully battling cancer, Jin would even become a member of the Shanghai Wheelchair Fencing Team in 2001.

Being selected as a Lenovo torchbearer "feels like a dream," according to Jin. "God closed one door but opened another -- happiness is the best gift you can give yourself," said the optimistic Jin.

People crowd in Chinatown to watch the Olympic torch relay in London, capital of Britain, April 6, 2008. London is the fourth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland

LONDON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The heavy snow in London exerted slim effect on people's passion of seeing Beijing Olympic flame as large crowds lined along the street to greet the relay of torch on Sunday in the host city of 2012 Games.

London boasted the longest relay of nearly 50 kilometers among cities outside China's mainland. Eighty torchbearers, including Paralympics, Olympic athletes and celebrities carried the torch through ten London boroughs from Wembley to Greenwich. Landmark buildings and ancient sites witnessed the sacred flame.

Dragon and lion dancing performance dressed up the Chinatown like a festival. Large groups of Chinese in squares or concentration point waited the flame hours before its arrival.

Quintuple Olympic gold medallist rower from Marlow Bottom Steve Redgrave initiated the relay within the Wembley Stadium.

 

Torchbearer Giles Emily (C) holds the torch during the Olympic torch relay in London, capital of Britain, April 6, 2008.

After striking gold in Sydney, Redgrave became the only English athlete ever to have won gold medals in five consecutive Olympic Games. His first Olympic gold came in the coxed fours in Los Angeles in 1984, followed by gold with Andy Holmes in the coxless pairs at Seoul in 1988, gold with Matthew Pinsent in the coxless pairs at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

In the Downing Street, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met a special torchbearer Ali Jawad, a disabled athlete on wheelchair, who is on the brink of qualification for Beijing Paralympics.

"The Olympic games are very important for all Chinese. In Chinatown, everyone is very anxious to see the torch pass," said London Chinese Community Center spokeswoman Annie Wu. "We hope it goes smoothly."

Chinese ambassador to Britain Fu Ying ran her leg in Chinatown, who was a hot topic of British media over whether she would be a torchbearer.

"It's a great day for both London and Beijing. The two cities meet each other today," said Fu.

"I hope the Olympic flame can splash peace, harmony and friendship to the world. I'm happy to see large groups of residents give their warm welcome to the flame's arrival including the elderly and the young.

"The Chinatown leg is a very special experience. Britain is one of the top destinations for first-generation Chinese migrants, so a lot of people have been living here for decades.

"It's really a great pleasure to see Londoners smiling and waving."

The Asian descendant Mayuri Morawaka had a leg in Enfield. "I ran a year dance club with another fellow student once a week at my school, I also help with sports day and dance workshops. I am currently completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award," said Morawaka.

"I strongly support the Olympics because it encourages people to engage in more physical activity and a great opportunity to seethe world's sporting talents bringing each other closer."

Chun Pal Mak, an English student with Chinese origin living in London, carried the torch through Greenwich.

"This is the greatest honor to be able to represent Britain and China in this exchange of great importance. Since as a child I've watched the Olympics and prided myself that I am both British and Chinese," he said.

"I love sports and participate in many, representing the John Roan Secondary Schools cricket team. We reached the finals and we also won the under-15 league."

The last bearer is Dame Kelly Holmes, a retired English middle-distance athlete. She won gold medals in the 800 meters and1,500 meters at the 2004 Summer Games.

The route covers London's cross-sectional sites including Wembley Stadium, Notting Hill Gate, Hyde Park Place, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, British Museum, Chinatown Arch, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Bridge Street, Waterloo Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and Greenwich.

More than 80,000 people of Chinese descent live in London, making it the largest Chinese community in Europe.

Following the London leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, the torch will travel to Paris for its fifth leg in the global tour.

Source from beijing2008 

 

 

 

The Beijing Olympic flame left St. Petersburg on Saturday for London to continue its global relay--ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, April 5 (Xinhua).

Shortly after 7 p.m. (1500 GMT) the charted plane with the flame took off.

The Olympic torch relay in St. Petersburg started on Saturday morning from the Victory Square in the center of the city and covered 20 kilometers. Each of the 80 torch bearers ran about 250 meters. The end of the race is the Palace Square where a grand ceremony was held to celebrate the success.

Tens of thousands of people went to track down the relay route. The whole city was dipped in an atmosphere of glamour and happiness.

The Beijing Olympic flame was flown into St. Petersburg from Turkey's largest city Istanbul on Friday.

Source from  beijing2008