Perspectives
Celebration or turning point?
Can China keep the rhythm going?Photo: AFP
GREAT events for a nation are few and far between. The nations often create them with sustained bids. Winning the bid to stage the 2008 Olympic was thus justifiably described in China as the realisation of a "century old dream." Ever since, China had awaited with bated breath the arrival of the cherished event amid hostility, cynicism and frustration caused, among others, by the crisis in Tibet. Finally, with the Beijing Olympics' extravaganza in the smoggy evening of August 7, China's global clout went several notches up -- catapulting the newly emerged giant to the world's centre stage. Malaysia's New Strait Times described the ceremony as "the greatest show on the earth, Quoting president Gloria Arroyo, Manila's premier newspaper The Daily Inquirer proclaimed the Beijing Games as "the world's most memorable Olympics." Indeed, the audiences around the world raved about the show, although some in the Western media were grudging in their praise. For years, China had pleaded with the world not to mix sports with politics with regards to the Beijing Olympic games, but to no avail. In the West, practically all quarters, from human right gurus to media moghuls, played dirty with the event in one way or other. When the countries finally began their coming-out party, the world leaders obliged politely, leaving harsh words at the door. The demands for human rights, democracy, media freedom and independence for Tibet gradually gave way to firm handshakes, beaming smiles and even a pat on President Hu Jintao's back as about 110 high profile guests from 80 countries and regions attended a welcome luncheon hosted by the Chinese leader at the Great Hall of the People. US President George Bush, a frequent critic of China's human rights record, not only all attended the ceremony with his wife but also gave Mr. Hu an appreciative pat on his back and put an arm around the Chinese leader, presenting a rare spectacle of how an arrogant and bellicose Bush had to get in line. Indeed, the US president's presence in the ceremony was already a big coup for the host. Incidentally, Bush is the first US president to attend an Olympic not held on American soil. The US first lady, in bright red -- the national colour of communist China -- acclaimed the ceremony as "spectacular" and "really unbelievable." As the world leaders were treated to a grand reception, seated at nine huge tables at the luncheon, the bitter issues of yesteryears took a back seat for a while. Equally warm were the gestures from Sinophile Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, as well as Prime Ministers Vladimir Putin and Yasuo Fukuda of Russia and Japan, respectively. Jittery at the meteoric rise of China to power, the European heavyweights couldn't quite take the show easily. For example, French President Sarkozy had a perfunctory handshake with Hu Jintao and stiffly posed for the watching world media, while the German chancellor was the only prominent world leader to boycott the ceremony over China's handling of the March riots in Tibet. Observers and analysts believe that they must have, however, felt nervous at China's dizzying cultural symbols, depicting some features of the 5000 years old Chinese civilisation and showcasing some of modern China's achievements, that the Olympic host city meticulously calibrated and majestically unleashed before a record global audience. No wonder, the Europeans took China to be their potential rivals in global power relations, and the paranoia was aptly reflected in their behaviour. China's potentials were already known to the world through its economic miracles. After having gone through the bitter-sweet experience of seeing a very successful Olympics, the world is left with lifted doubt about the advent of a truly great power. In certain spheres, it has already made inroads into the nooks and corners of the continent. China, however, remained circumspect in conducting her international affairs, lest it generated tension with its newly achieved power. Unlike other rising powers in the past, which arrogantly demanded space commensurate to their clout, China played cool and is well integrated with the existing international system. The world, after the infamous 9/11, has been passing through a delicate phase of history, and even China during its historical celebrations experienced the scourge, terrorism, in its tranquil Xinjiang province. In tackling this menace, will the Chinese wisdom alone suffice, or will a trans-national effort pay better dividend? Even for an upbeat China, there is no place for complacency. Yet, cheers for China; and it was so far, so good.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments