It will be a great honour for China to host the 2008 Olympics. It will be a good opportunity to show the world what the country is capable of.

But it is important that Chinese people don’t allow nationalistic sentiments to get in the way, as was the case during the Asia Cup final between China and Japan in Beijing earlier this year.

That game aroused anti-Japanese feelings on the mainland, with people burning the Japanese flag and blocking the team bus from leaving the stadium. Such behaviour could harm China’s chances of hosting international events.

On the other hand, the central government should take action to improve its human rights record. Although China has one of the world’s fastest-developing economies, the people lack basic freedoms. People who attack the government are put in jail. This could result in bad publicity, especially in the run-up to the 2008 Olympics.

The Games will help China move forward and all eyes will be on the Asian giant as it prepares for the greatest show on Earth.

Suki Wong Shuk Ming (7A)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South China Morning Post (20th October,2004)