| Beijing Olympics – China shines with Games |
Event of the year! Olympics brought a golden chance for China to display its soft power and it tapped the opportunity to its fullest potential. The 16-day extravaganza mesmerised the world with an extra pinch of “Chinese element”. Beijing impressed the world by its efforts to turn a highly-politicised and competitive event into a harmonious experience for the world.
While final touches were being given to the Olympics’ arrangements in Beijing, tensions were rising on the streets of Tibet. The whole world saw the Chinese crackdown on Tibetan monks in March, during the commemoration of the failed uprising of 1959, which had resulted in the Dalai Lama fleeing to India.
Chinese police used force to suppress the demonstrations by Tibetans, who reportedly attacked Chinese citizens working in their territory. Violence spilled into Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan Provinces in western China as well. The international media criticised China’s act and cast aspersions over the Olympics.
Ultimately, China did not even host the Olympics but also won praise for the spectacular manner in which the Games were held.
In Taiwan, Nationalist Party’s Ma Ying-jeou, who is said to be pro-China, defeated Frank Hsieh of the Democratic Progressive Party to acquire the presidency.
Full Coverage: Olympics» |
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