Before the commencement of the Olympic Games in Beijing, some Japanese were concerned about anti-Japanese sentiments among the Chinese, that their athletes might be booed and taunted in the competitions, and that the Chinese audience might refuse to pay proper respect to their national flag and anthem. … [Read more...] about The Beijing Olympics: East-West Confrontation and East-East Conciliation
From the Beijing Olympics, Come the Drums of Change
Harold Meyerson at the Washington Post compares the Beijing Olympics with Russian involvement in Georgia and believes that the Olympics are a game-changing event in world history while Russia's Georgian adventure is not. The theme of the Chinese model of development offering an alternative to Western democracy has been repeated by many in Western media. … [Read more...] about From the Beijing Olympics, Come the Drums of Change
The Olympics Demonstrate China's "Soft Power": on Baloney and Silliness.
Watching the NBC broadcast of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing gave me a sleepless night. Something about the ceremony and the games bothered me. I had to think it trough. What do you make of the following features of the Opening Ceremony? … [Read more...] about The Olympics Demonstrate China's "Soft Power": on Baloney and Silliness.
Will we see a "Thank You, China" banner from the European and American attendants to the Olympics?
The closing ceremony parade would be the most appropriate occasion for such expression of appreciation. Who will be the most likely among the spectators to display such affectionate banners, resident laowais or first time visitors? … [Read more...] about Will we see a "Thank You, China" banner from the European and American attendants to the Olympics?
Japanese athletes and spectators brace against booing in Beijing. Are they over-reacting?
How will Japanese athletes and their supporters be received during the Olympic Games in Beijing? Will they be booed by Chinese spectators? Will the Chinese show the propriety to stand up in respect when the Japanese national flag is raised and the Japanese national anthem played in the award-giving ceremonies? From their past experiences in sports engagements with China, the … [Read more...] about Japanese athletes and spectators brace against booing in Beijing. Are they over-reacting?