1. It’s true that Olympic Games have political factors and we really don’t need to deny that. But “Have political factors” == “Political”?

2. Let’s consider the potential political intention expressed through Olympic Games. Is it so bad so evil that it simplely should not ever exist in Olympics?

Here is my personal opinion:
1. Usually the following factors are the three most important ones for Olympics—-Culture, Commerce and Politics. You surely can not call Beijing Olympics “a political one” unless Politics takes more than 50% of the importance, right?

2. What kind of political idea is the Chinese Government want to express through Beijing Olympics? Racial superiority? Chauvinism? Or superiority of Socialism? Since the first two can’t be true and the third at least not the most important one, Chinese government shouldn’t be criticized on this matter, even with its political intentions expressed. The most important political factor is to provide western world a window, an excellent chance to see a growing China. But some western countries, while at one hand criticize China for not totally opening up, at the other hand criticize China for showing off power through Olympic Games. So what do we have that really worth showing off? GDP? Superior Military power? Or better universities? Absolutely not! So to some extent, the saying that western countries are jealous about China is just inaccurate. They don’t really envy us, they’re just not happy to see people can lead a “not so bad life”. They just feel losing face to admit a so called “dictatorship” can run China well.

For example, we need to ascertain just exactly what the exiled Tibetan government wants. In 1959, they wanted to throw out the Chinese they allowed in earlier. But what about now? As the official top-most representative of the exiled Tibetan government, what has the Dalai Lama been asking for in recent history? Independence? More autonomy? What does “autonomy” mean? Has he continued to deny Chinese sovereignty or has he publically acknowledged that Tibet is now a part of China? Has he demanded an independent Tibet that includes Lanzhou and Chengdu? What is he asking?

The CCP government insists that the Dalai Lama wants independence and many Chinese believe that whole-heartedly. Many in the West see the Dalai Lama repeatedly acknowledge that Tibet cannot be independent from China anymore but desires more “autonomy” from the Chinese CCP central government. The CCP government refuses to discuss what the Dalai Lama’s “more autonomy” entails and just dismisses him as a “splittist.” Without communication, there is no understanding. Without understanding, there is no solution. But maybe the CCP doesn’t care. After all, why should the central government care what some exiled Tibetans or existing Tibetans want for their homeland? Do they even have the right to petition their government and rulers? Why should the central government listen to the people of the land they control and govern?

Those are questions too few people are asking. Instead, people are spending their time maligning each other.

This is NOT the first political Olympic Games since 1980/84. Have we already forgotten the Centennial Olympic Park terrorist bombing for the 1996 Atlanta Games that killed two people and injured over 100 other people? The Olympics have ALWAYS been political because it is an event that gets people’s attention from all around the world. Anytime you have attention, you will have people trying to advance their causes. To imply that is to put your head into the sand and refuse to acknowledge fundamental reality.

A major part of why the 2008 Olympic Games feels so much more “politicized” is because the CCP government has difficulty accepting that dissent is part of reality. They have trouble “letting go” and want to control far more aspects of the Games and people’s perception of the Games than the host governments of many previous “less political” Games. The more China is insecure, the more those with agendas against China will pressure China.

Every government recognizes Chinese sovereignty over Tibet, even the exiled government of the Dalai Lama. Not every person does, however, and they have their reasons why. Many of those reasons are misguided, or even completely ridiculous. I personally think China and the Chinese can do a better job of helping these people better understand the China-Tibet issue by communicating honestly instead of denying that there are problems and refusing to address those problems. It is difficult for the West to control their curiosity and suspicion when we tell them that all Tibetans love China but they can see Tibetans violently attacking Han Chinese. We condemn the violent actions of Iraqi insurrectionists against American troops in Iraq, but we at least are trying to figure out the reasons for their anger and use of violence.

We may never be able to stop all violence or all violent people even if we try to understand the reasons and try to solve the problems. However, doing the latter is more responsible than just pretending there are no problems.

You can understand it and I can, but some can’t. Maybe this article is more for other Chinese :)

(Quote):
The United Nations recognise the region the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China; it is apart of China.
The Agreement of the Central People’s Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet was signed by the 14th Dalia Lama proclaiming Chinese sovereignty of Tibet.

In 1959 the Lhasa Rebellion occured, which led to the exile of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s government and the 14th Dalai Lama and the decrease in actual autonomy in the region in order to prevent further behaviour.

The Exiled Tibetan Government’s territorial claim extends well beyond and territorial claim of the last several centuries, extending as far as Lanzhou and Chengdu; almost 20% of the entire Chinese Territory.

The Free Tibet is not a claim of the Autonomous Region of Tibet, it extends well beyond that if you entirely agree with a Free Tibet. So far as if you could imagine 13 States of the United States seperating.

The claim of the exiled government is outrageous, and it seems to be something that alot of pro-Tibetan people do not fully understand.

This is the first political Olympic Games since 1980/1984, and it really should not have become a political games.

Boycotting all products and materials Made in China would mean the cease of use of over 80% of the entire world’s product and materials. That is the percentage of products that wear the Made in China brand. This is as nonsense as renaming French Fries to Freedom Fries or the German Shepard to Alsatian during Anti-German sentiment in WW1, it is a knee-jerk reaction that some how garners media and public attention yet has no real effect on the intended target.

The Government of Australia, my country, recognises Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. Until that decision changes and until the United Nations decision changes my opinion shall not change either.

Even as a Chinese, I can understand this. Why can’t you?