Olympic Politics

China has definitely been faced with quite a PR challenge, or some would say, nightmare, trying to uphold a clean and positive image to the rest of the world, as it is faced with what seems to be an incessant series of controversies and criticism. Whether it is the concern over human rights abuses at home, the controversy over China’s involvement in Sudan, or the latest drug fears over human growth hormone (HGH) production, China seems to have a lot more on its plate than simply preparing for and running the Olympic games.

These issues are important and should not be dismissed or diluted, but finding the most effective and appropriate way to address them is what needs to be considered. I would agree with the Foreign Secretary, David Milliband’s statement on Wednesday “that boycotts are not a right way” to address these matters. For real change to take place other strategies should be adopted.

All this raises the debate of whether we can continue viewing the Olympics as strictly a sporting event? And if not, where do we draw the line? Whether or not China should be hosting the games is perhaps something that should have been on the discussion table back in the summer of 2001 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected China and the city of Beijing - in the first round, let it not be forgotten - to host the summer Games. Media and world attention should maybe start looking into the criteria used in the selection and nomination process. In 1999, an independent Ethics Commission was created, but little to nothing is known about this entity. This clearly calls for a more open debate around the IOC in general, which is well known to be manipulated by money and power.

Rather than boycott the Olympics in China, it seems to me that a more effective strategy lies in working in cooperation with China on these issues, and strengthening its international ties. Resorting to isolation and shaming tactics is often ineffective.

Moreover, one cannot dismiss the positive changes that have been occurring in China recently. Any country would agree that foreign and national policy cannot be changed overnight. Being in the international spotlight for 17 days might help bring about the legacy of change that the world would like to see.