Olympic Games

In order to protest against France who attempted to politicize the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games by impeding the torch relay in Paris and even financing the brutal Tibet insurrectionists who had killed thousands of innocent Tibetans, Chinese people all over the world have stuck together and decided spontaneously to launch a boycott of French goods, namely a support to things made-in-china. One of the hottest resisting plans talked most frequently those days is to boycotting the internationally famous retailer, the French hypermarket Carrefour.

It stands to reason that Chinese people will resent and rebel against the inaccurate reports of the western media as well as their malicious intentions to support Dalai Lama so as to split China, especially when we are actually the victims worthy of sympathy, consolation and support. Whatever small power and influence it might bring about, boycotting French enterprises like Carrefour, as some Chinese people expected, is the most immediate and effective way that every single Chinese people could do to support the home made goods and resist the foreign products. Indeed, the national resentment and anger with a sense of being insulted might, to some extent be vented through this way. It is self evident that as a citizen of a sovereign country, every Chinese should contribute himself /herself if necessary to safeguarding and maintaining China’s unity and dignity.

However, we have overlooked the fact that to boycott trading is not a wise decision at all because it might lead to a worse trading relationship with foreign buyers. But China needs to maintain a steady relationship with foreign importers so as to keep the sensitive domestic economy stable, especially when the domestic food prices are increasing rapidly. As a matter of fact, China will benefit nothing from this seemingly patriotic campaign against the French hypermarket in view that most of the goods sold in Carrefour are domestic products and if we insist on launching the boycott, Chinese suppliers are the most likely to suffer huge financial losses. Besides, the majority workers in Carrefour are Chinese who barely make a living by those career opportunities Carrefour offered them. If Carrefour is boycotted, those Chinese employees will be out of work. What is worse, some ill-disposed nations may probably take advantage of our excessive enthusiasm and impulsive patriotism which do not bring China more sympathy than misunderstanding from the whole world. Only if Chinese people take a comprehensive approach to the issue and always keep cool to deal with the predicament rationally, will it be able to fulfill a successful counterattack.

Why not change the idea from boycotting foreign goods to supporting products made in china? Express patriotism calmly and soberly is much more an effective way to uphold national unity and dignity than to act impulsively or we are the one that will finally be blamed.

Article Source: http://www.madeinchina.com

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.

We use one picture to explain the route which torch would pass.

We could see that the torch would pass whole world. It is a kind of symbol--Sports has no national boundaries. 

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.

I saw it from internet so I post it here just want to make it as a funny thing. Not realted to politics.

Olympic Games is the largest sports in the world and Beijing gained the right to hold it four years ago. Now it is 2008 and we would have it be held. Hope we would have a best Olympic Game. 

Scene of the press conference

(BEIJING, April 7) -- At 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) held a press conference at the Beijing Olympic Media Center to give an update on the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.

Under the theme of "Journey of Harmony," the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay started its worldwide journey on April 1, 2008. The sacred flame has so far passed through Almaty in Kazakhstan, Istanbul in Turkey, St. Petersburg in Russia and London in Britain. People along the Torch Relay route have extended the flame a warm welcome and the relay is proceeding successfully as planned.

Firstly, the countries on the relay route have attached great importance and given strong support to the Olympic flame. At the first stop of the relay, the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, attended the commencement ceremony and delivered a speech. He then ran as the first torchbearer. Seeing the Olympic Torch Relay as a way to support the Beijing Olympics and to rehearse for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the city of St. Petersburg attached great importance to the event and used first-rate resources to facilitate a successful relay.

During the London leg of the relay, Prime Minister Gordon Brown held a welcoming ceremony at No. 10 Downing Street and met with British torchbearers. Princess Anne and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London attended and spoke at the celebration ceremony that ended the day's events.

Secondly, all Torch Relay cities have given strong support for the event. At each stop of the Olympic Torch Relay, the city's local government has held a grand welcoming ceremony and various celebrations. These cities have designed elaborate relay routes that have demonstrated the unique features of their respective cultures and landscapes. They have all provided first-class organizational, security and logistic support for the success of the relay.

Thirdly, the Olympic torch has received a warm welcome worldwide. During the Almaty leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay on April 2, 2008, over 200,000 citizens filled the streets to welcome the sacred flame in an atmosphere that was friendly and passionate. In Istanbul, people wore their best outfits as they came out to witness the Torch Relay. Seventy-thousand people celebrated the arrival of the Olympic flame on the streets of St. Petersburg. Although it was cold in London, with the temperature at zero degrees Celsius, more than one thousand Londoners from all walks of life participated in the launching ceremony of the London leg of the Torch Relay. London artists gave brilliant performances amid snow; passionate crowds lined the relay route.

Fourthly, athletes from all over the world have joined the Beijing Olympic torch relay with great enthusiasm. "The torch for me is not, therefore, simply about a relay around London, it is a moment where the Olympics comes to the front of everyone's mind and we celebrate the dedication of the young athletes who train day in, day out to get to the games," said five-time Olympic rowing gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave in the Guardian. "The torch relay gives the opportunity for people from all walks of life to touch the Olympics, to feel the dream. The games are an experience like no other, but only a few people get to go and experience their magic."

The first four legs of the Torch Relay have attracted more than 100 athletes; all of them are outstanding representatives who have participated in the Summer or Winter Olympic Games. The first torchbearer of Istanbul was the first Turkish ice skater to participate in the Winter Games. The Olympic flame stands for peace, love and friendship, representing the common dreams and desires of human beings. It deserves the respect of the whole world.

 Wang Hui, director of BOCOG Media and Communications department

Fifthly, the torch has been carried through a variety of means that reflect the history, culture, scenery and passion of the countries it's visited. The Torch Relay in Almaty started from Medeo Mountain and torchbearers carried the flame while skiing and while riding motorcycles, horses and camels. In Istanbul, the Olympic torch was twice carried across the Bosporus Strait, which runs between Asia and Europe. On its journey through London, the torch was carried on foot, on an open-topped double-decker bus and by light railway past some of London's most iconic spots. Furthermore, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay has received great support from each National Olympic Committee, as well as enthusiastic reports worldwide from the media.

There have been attempts made to disturb and sabotage the Torch Relay by a small number of "pro-Tibet independence" activists.

The Olympic Torch Relay embodies the Olympic spirit and represents the earnestness and excitement with which the world awaits the Olympic Games. A small number of "pro-Tibet independence" activists have attempted to sabotage the event. During the Greece leg of the relay, a few activists attempted to stop the relay by lying on the street. In London, a few protesters planned and carried out several destructive actions. One "pro-Tibet independence" activist tried to grab the torch and another attempted to extinguish the flame when well-known U.K. television presenter Konnie Huq was carrying the torch in northwest London. Their actions were stopped by local police, although Konnie Huq sustained a slight injury. During a lunch break, several "pro-Tibet independence" activists got past security in an attempt to clash with torchbearers and disturb the relay. The British police were successful in preventing these efforts.

Local people in London strongly opposed the attempt to sabotage the Torch Relay. And the behavior of "pro-Tibet independence" activists has aroused resentment and received condemnation in London.

As the highest symbol of the Olympic spirit, the Olympic flame represents peace, friendship and progress. Under the authorization of the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay is sharing the passion and glory of the Olympics with the world through its "Journey of Harmony." It has received a warm welcome from people throughout the Relay.

We strongly condemn the actions of the few "pro-Tibet independence" activists who have attempted to sabotage the Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic flame belongs to the world and these actions are a serious violation of the Olympic spirit. They are bound to fail and will surely arouse the resentment of peace-loving people who support the Olympic Games.

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is not only a great event for the Chinese people, but also a great event for the world. It is important in spreading the Olympic spirit, promoting Olympic culture and furthering the development of the Olympic Games. The Beijing Olympic Games not only enhances China's understanding of the world, but it also enhances the world's understanding of China. It deepens the friendship between countries, promoting peace, development and cooperation around the world.

All cities of the Olympic Torch Relay, both on and outside the mainland of China, have made full preparations and have laid a solid foundation for the smooth completion of the Torch Relay. BOCOG would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the Torch Relay cities for the efforts they have made and to the people who have participated in the event. We believe that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will receive the support of peace-loving people around the world and be a great success!

Source from beijing2008 

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