The Truth about China beyond the Olympics

Nearly 3,000 outstanding athletes from more than 90 national Olympic committees are in Beijing this month on a quest to reach the pinnacle of their beloved sports. These brave Olympians are the embodiment of the Olympic values of friendship, excellence, respect, courage, determination, inspiration, and equality, and they are certainly deserving of our recognition.

But while we cheer on our respective countries, let’s not forget that the nation hosting these competitions is acting in ways that directly contradict these noble values. Hosting the Olympics has not stopped Beijing from pressuring its neighbors as well as dissidents at home. Such actions run contrary to the “Olympic spirit,” to say the least.

KC

About the Author

Karen Chu

Karen Chu is the press director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York.

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Nearly 3,000 outstanding athletes from more than 90 national Olympic committees are in Beijing this month on a quest to reach the pinnacle of their beloved sports. These brave Olympians are the embodiment of the Olympic values of friendship, excellence, respect, courage, determination, inspiration, and equality, and they are certainly deserving of our recognition.

But while we cheer on our respective countries, let’s not forget that the nation hosting these competitions is acting in ways that directly contradict these noble values. Hosting the Olympics has not stopped Beijing from pressuring its neighbors as well as dissidents at home. Such actions run contrary to the “Olympic spirit,” to say the least.