China Cracks Down on Olympic Protests

Silencing protesters is becoming more difficult with the influx of foreigners into the Chinese capital for the Summer Olympics. Along with the athletes, a number of vocal protesters have been keeping the Chinese authorities occupied with removing "Free Tibet" banners, canceling anti-fur parties, and even revoking visas of potential troublemakers. So just what are the major issues that China seeks to quell? Here is the short list.

Tibet

Freedom of speech is a right not found in the Communist capital of Beijing, China. Four foreign activists from Students for a Free Tibet climbed poles near Beijing National Stadium and hung "One World, One Dream- Free Tibet" banners. "One World, One Dream" is the slogan for the summer games. The four were not arrested but "persuaded" by police to leave the vicinity. The banners were removed in just under 12 minutes- a new record for the Chinese police, according to bystanders.

The first official protest of the games was condemned by the spokesperson for the Beijing organizing committee. Sun Weide said, "In terms of assembly and demonstrations, China has related laws and regulations. We hope that foreigners will respect the related Chinese laws and regulations."

There have been many applications to demonstrate, and though the Chinese government has said they are accepting applications, none have yet been approved. In fact, many Tibetan protesters are sitting in jail in an effort to "clean up" the streets prior to the Olympics.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokeswoman, Emmanuelle Moreau responded that China should have expected people to "use the platform of the Olympic Games to draw attention to their causes." She also claimed the IOC was certain that China would handle the protests "reasonably" and "act with tact and understanding."

PETA

U.S. swimmer, Amanda Beard, may feel differently after her People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) party was cancelled. The party, set at a local hotel, was to unveil a nude photo of herself with the slogan, "no fur," was shut down by Chinese officials. Instead, Beard unveiled the photo in the Olympic Athlete's Village.

Human Rights

China's lack of human rights, the forcing of abortions and their crackdown on religion has also come under scrutiny and criticism. "It was important for us that there be a clear voice speaking out against the Chinese government's abuse of human rights" said Reverend Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition. Brandi Swindell, the national director of Generation Life, was also one of the three Americans who prayed in Tiananmen Square. She said it was "shocking to be an American" and to "see such blatant opposition." The group reported being harassed by plainclothes police and later agents forced them from the area, made them sit nearby for over an hour while they checked passports and paperwork.

This should come as no surprise to the world. China has been detaining and squashing protests for years. What they should realize is that the best way to silence a protest is not by crushing it, but by ignoring it. When they give such strong attention to it, they bring the eye of the world to it through reports and even more backlash. The protest held in 1989 in Tiananmen Square should be proof enough. Then, seven died for their right to protest when tanks rolled in and crushed the people to death.

Sudan

Other issues have also come to light, such as China's help in the war-torn African nation of Sudan. Advocates for the Sudanese, including George Clooney, Mia Farrow and Olympic speedskater, Joey Cheek, have been lobbying for support from Chinese officials. Frustrated that the Western nations have not been able to produce results, celebrities and other "Save Darfur" advocates have requested that China use their considerable influence and funds for peace.

In the past, China has usually held a "non-interference" policy but that has been changing of late. So far, Chinese president Hu Jintao has only offered advice to the legitimate Sudanese government. In an effort to lobby more strongly for their cause, Joey Cheek was set to arrive in China this week. However, Chinese officials revoked his passport.

Politics

Politics get even stickier when President Bush delivered his speech in South Korea yesterday. He claimed "deep concern" over China's handling of human rights. Bush has sought an unusual route for chastising China. He made political in-roads into China by agreeing with Communist Chinese policy of keeping Taiwan and denying the small would-be nation of their freedom. He also opened more doors by using economic incentives and by cooperating in negotiations with North Korea's nuclear program. Bush claims these concessions have allowed him to speak openly and honestly with the government's leaders. Talk, which so far, has not resulted in any significant change. Regarding the pre-Olympic protest crackdowns, Bush said China "ought to welcome people being able to express their minds." Yet for now, the protesters are being rounded up and put out of sight.

Beijing is trying to put its best face to the world during these Summer Olympic Games. They have attempted to suppress pollution issues by forcing vehicles off the roads and ending all construction. But the pollution is still there. They are attempting to have peaceful, protest-free Olympics, but are jailing and forcibly silencing those involved. Putting band-aids over wounds that need stitching will not work. Instead, China needs to work at solving the root problems.

The Olympics in China has shed light on a number of issues that world may not have normally seen. For all their good intentions, I am still surprised that the International Olympic Committee allowed China to host this year. If anything, the pollution should have been their first clue. "One World, One Dream" may be more ironic than inclusive. If it is going to be one world with one dream, you may see China forcing it on everyone.

Sources:

Bush: China must end detentions, ensure freedoms

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080806/ap_on_re_as/bush_asia_70

Foreign activists launch pre-Olympics protests

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080806/ap_on_sp_ol/oly_china_protests;_ylt=Aub6QvX5SNnj7DHt4YKxumr9xg8F

Why China Won't Save Darfur

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3847

CBS News at 10, Birmingham 8/5/2008