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The 2008 Olympics is a critical step for both the internal image of China as well as how the world precieves China. When Beijing won as the host city in 2001, Chinese primer, Li Lanqing,exclaimed "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." That is the same view shared by the millions of souls within China, the people of China see this as a matter of pride, a historic honor being bestowed on them and fulfilling over a billion dreams.

The people within China has also viewed the western protests as a tactic used by western nations to subjugate China. In a special BBC Report released with a varied views of people within China, many had the impression that "some Western people and governments have a hidden agenda: they don't want China to become a powerful country" or that "its not the right time to press the issues of freedom or human rights." Yet many feel that the games should actually be a golden opportunity to improve communication between China and the rest of the world.

In any event, international politics will impact the Beijing games and how China views the world after the games but another matter of concern is how the games will effect the rest of the world. Already the world is experiencing rising tension with China, mainly concerned with the out pacing speed of development and what it will mean for the world. Either the western powers can befriend China and have a friendly relationship or they will be faced with a rising giant that will gather much influence and power to itself. So far, China has not done a good job befriending western nations with regards to certain areas. And one of those such areas is the issue of Human Rights in China.

Much of the torch relay protests are centered around China's policies towards groups of people and certain nations. Chinese occupation of Tibet is a major focal point of conflict, as the government of Tibet in exile is trying to raise the issue and get their freedom back after 40 years of occupation. The issue of Taiwan also comes into play, where Taiwan was created by Chang Kai Shiek after his defeats by Mao and his communist party in mainland China, and now the people of Taiwan consider themselves a separate nation from China. Taiwan has its own military, economy, and political structure but China sees it as a breakaway province and thus is blocking its entry into the UN. The genocide

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