Olympic torch relay turns into a public relations nightmare for China
Eric Witte April 7th, 2008
Despite 3,000 police and other security measures, the Olympic torch was extinguished three times in Paris and the Tibetan flag was flown briefly from the Parisian city hall today, following similar protests in London. China’s economic, diplomatic and demographic weight may make it difficult for democratic governments to make protest of the crackdown in Tibet (or Darfur, or…) a top issue in their relationships with Beijing. (This was perhaps in evidence over the weekend when the French government distanced itself from remarks on Tibet attributed to President Sarkozy.) But China may be learning that it will be impossible to control popular sentiment around the world. Indeed, the Olympic torch relay appears to be turning into a “Free Tibet” relay.
Update: Even before the Olympic torch arrives in northern California, protesters today scaled the Golden Gate Bridge to hang “Free Tibet” banners and a Tibetan flag.
