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Politics and business economics are inherently linked. Political doctrine is often based on economic theories, like Communism, and there is no escaping the fact that business interests are involved within politics. China is no exception, and it will be interesting to see how the Olympics will impact the country.

Since the Chinese revolution, the post-war Communist coup, China has been sympathetic towards Communism. However since 1978 free-market reforms along with the acquisition of Hong Kong, one of the most capitalistic states, attitudes towards capitalism have changed and a movement away from extreme Communism emerged.

The Olympics, great sporting festival though it is, also has great commercial value. In many respects, without the business sponsors behind it, China would not be staging an Olympic games. Will business not be keen to point out their important role with the games?

Possibly so, certainly the Olympics will stimulate the Chinese economy and could well be considered an advert for business & capitalism'. Business sponsors, along with the organizers behind it, will take the credit for an well-organized Olympics.

At any rate, Communist doctrine is invariably opposed to capitalism and private enterprise. China will look towards the games, and with a successful Olympics might well come to accept the benefits of capitalism all the more.

For what it's worth, certain business practices in China have been criticized. Particularly on the issue of employee rights, and the manufacture of certain products. Business interests will seek to mask over these issues, window-paint the Olympics if you like, and point to a cleaner more responsible Chinese business culture. Furthering business sympathy within China perhaps?

Remember the Moscow Olympics in 1980? Was it a mere coincidence that Communism in Russia changed course thereafter, and began to introduce free-market reforms? And invariably the demise of the USSR duly followed. Granted the 1936 Berlin Olympics did little to pacify Nazi Germany, but then business interests rested in armaments.

If the Beijing games are staged well, then maybe further moves towards a free-market and private enterprise in China will continue unabated. The Olympics, an advert for business as much as sport, might well provide a jolt in the arm to the politics of China like that of the Moscow games in the USSR. In many respects, lead to a more economically liberal China.

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