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Published on April 19, 2008

The Nation

The Olympic torch relay has finally arrived in Bangkok. Let the icon of the world's greatest sports event pass without a hitch. Sport is sport. It is in the interest of the country that the torch relay in Thailand goes smoothly. It is a special occasion for our country. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is also taking part in welcoming the torch-relay team.

When the torch relay went through several countries in other parts of the world, it was met with protests and serious disruptions caused by protesters who want to see China become more democratic and have more respect for human rights. Thai civil-society organisations and Tibet focus groups will try to disrupt the process, which is scheduled for today.

Like it or not, the torch relay has become a most damaging exercise for China, as it has highlighted its continuing human-rights violations and other forms of oppression. Beijing did not realise that the month-long ceremony would provide fertile ground for international anti-Chinese protesters to display their concerns. Their well-coordinated strategies and ability to disrupt the relay have embarrassed the Chinese government.

Obviously, the Tibetan crackdown in mid-March and its aftermath continue to demonstrate the determination of Chinese leaders to deal harshly with anyone involved in the three-day riot. That is a cause for concern abroad because China will continue to tighten security in and around Tibet and pose further restrictions on those travelling to "the roof of the world".

In the four months that remain, there certainly could be untoward developments at home or abroad further disrupting the Olympic Games. Already, a few leaders and countries have declared publicly that they will boycott the opening ceremony on August 8. So far, no athletes have said they will boycott the competition.

Recently, the Chinese government apprehended a group of suspected terrorists from Xinjiang, who it said had planned to disrupt the games by staging bombings and kidnapping athletes. If that is true, it is a real problem, which the host has to address. Security during the competition, including the safety of international athletes, is of the utmost importance. The 1972 Munich Olympic Games remain vivid among organisers and athletes.

To ensure the success of the Beijing games, China's leaders still have a long to-do list when it comes to improving the country's human-rights situation and image. Its main stadium for the Olympics, known as the Bird's Nest, was opened to the international press recently. It is a marvel reflecting the skill of Chinese construction, but it is not the only thing the government should be focusing on.

In the weeks and months to come, it would be wise for China to pledge to respect human rights and allow more room for freedom of expression. Foreign countries are worried about Tibet and other problems in China, not to mention air quality during competition. Obviously, other countries have their own problems as well, but China, being one the world's superpowers, has to fulfil its international role and worst of all, the growing expectations concerning what China should and should not do.

It is interesting to note that Chinese leaders have yet to show their appreciation of their country's new position in the world. The motto that greater power for a nation comes with greater responsibilities rings hollow among Chinese leaders. Of course, China has shown some sense of global responsibility in engaging with the international community and UN in efforts to resolve the crisis in Darfur. However, Beijing has yet to clearly show the world that it is a responsible international stakeholder.

One should not expect China to change much after the Olympics, especially when it comes to democracy. South Korea is often mentioned as a positive case study of what impact the games might have on domestic politics. With or without the Olympics, South Korea was going to be a democracy anyway. But China is not South Korea and the road to liberal democracy is still very long. China is still ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, which has self-serving capitalist inclinations.

It is more realistic to wish that in the post-Olympic era, China would not intensify its crackdowns on democratic elements and dissidents inside the country. In addition, it is hoped that China will continue to contribute to peace and stability around the globe in more concrete ways.