Jul
31
Yesterday, “negotiations” went on between the IOC and Chinese authorities regarding unrestricted internet access for the media covering the Olympics. Today, we know how it all went down.
Just call it an unconditional surrender.
The bullying Chinese government has won the day and once again proved that rules are for suckers and promises are meant for babes. […]
Jul
30
Is Leni Riefenstahl somewhere in the building?
Only fools — i.e. the International Olympic Committee — bought into China’s promises guaranteeing press freedom during the Beijing Games. There was no reason to ever believe that the Chinese government intended to keep its word once it has the hosting rights secured.
Even as of today, about one week […]
Jul
23
Clean Air Requires More Than Olympic Effort
Filed Under 2008 Beijing Olympics, China | Leave a Comment
Chinese authorities have busied themselves the last couple of weeks in a last-ditch effort to clean up Beijing’s foul air. Factories are shut down temporarily. Cars are taken off the roads. Even smoking is now banned in many places.
The result is somewhat improved air quality. But to be fair, Beijing, usually under the overhang of […]
Jul
22
Chinese Ambition? There’s More to It
Filed Under China, Russia | Leave a Comment
China and Russia settled a territorial dispute Monday when Russia agreed to return Yinlong Island (known as Tarabarov Island in Russian) and half of Heixiazi Island (Bolshoi Ussuriysky) to China. The 67 square miles of territory are on the northeast border with China.
No doubt some would read this as China flexing its growing international muscle. […]