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of poisonous ingredients. This led many to question the regulatory and safety measures of the government of China. A definite indicator that business can affect politics was displayed in July 2007 when China's former head of the State Food and Drug Administration was executed. He was found guilty of accepting bribes from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for favors. (1) As of May 2006, China finished the infamous hydroelectric dam, the largest in the world, named the Three Gorges Dam, displacing more than a million people when the area flooded. (1) By pressuring Olympic sponsors, activists have determined a unique opportunity to change the policies of China using market mechanisms. (5)

China does not just inflict their lack of humanity on its own citizens but has a reach long enough to affect the continent of Africa. In a huge sell of more than 90 percent of its Chinese holdings in state-owned oil giant PetroChina, Fidelity Investments, almost certainly has succumbed to the pressure from human rights and religious activists. PetroChina is the primary oil field operator in Sudan and supports Khartoum regime who is responsible for the genocide in Darfur. Many political and business observers believe there will be a strategic thrust emerging during the summer at the 2008 Olympic Games. Darfur activists are expected to move from a financial divestment campaign to one focused on these worldwide televised games. Companies have set themselves up as perfect targets by the sponsorships of the Bejing Games. Western corporate sponsors are investing tens of millions of dollars in the Olympics and in companion marketing campaigns designed to run before and during the Olympics and activists have them in their sights. With an average of $55 million and more importantly their brand name at stake, the games have carried an added political dimension for sponsors. A subtle door was opened to these businesses to have access to China and its money like no other business investors before them. (5)

China is hoping that it can mask its corrupt political and business practices by hiding behind the legitimacy of brand names. Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, however portrays the Chinese governments hopes that the Olympic Games would not be politicized. Via the ministry's Web site he is quoted as saying, "We hope to enhance mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation with other peoples through the Games. We must follow the purpose of the Olympics and not politicize the games." (5)

(1) http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/ A0107411.html

(2) http://wikitravel.org/en/China

(3) http://www.idahobusiness.net/a rchive.htm/2008/04/07/The-Olym pics-Business-and-politics

(4) http://politicalseason.blogspo t.com/2008/04/china-2008-olymp ics-as-major-activist.html

(5) http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITI CS/04/02/house.olympics/

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