Massive Security in Tiananmen Square

With the Olympic torch relay in China heralding the beginning of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Chinese government faces daunting challenges in the wake of recent events, including ethnic minority independence protests, terrorism, and the international community’s threat to boycott the opening ceremony.

With its official slogan for the Olympic Games, “One World, One Dream,” the Chinese government has aimed at emerging as a global powerhouse through the games. But ominous clouds have begun to gather over the Chinese government’s ambitions.

▽ Tight Security in Tiananmen Square

The Chinese government has increased security in Tiananmen Square where the Olympic flame arrives in Beijing from Greece on Monday, for fear of protests for Tibet’s independence. Last Monday, in Greece, the torch-lighting ceremony was disrupted by supporters of Tibet’s independence.

With just three days to go before the ceremony, a heavy security presence continued to be seen in Tiananmen as the mood there was more grave than during the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

In front of every ten gates in the plaza, three security officers and two police officers blockaded streets into the area, checking the belongings of tourists. They allowed people to pass after examining their bags and even inspecting beverages by opening them.

When asked, “What are you looking for?” the security officer snapped back, "Toxic materials.” A tourist guide said, “Alcoholic beverage with more than 50 degree is also included in the prohibition list, because it can be used as an explosive.”

▽ Mounting Calls for a Boycott of the Olympics opening ceremony

Expressing opposition to the Chinese government’s crack down on the independence movement in Tibet by using military force, a number of countries have said that they would boycott the opening ceremony.

Presidents of the Czech Republic, Poland and Estonia announced their decision not to attend the Olympic opening ceremony on Mar. 26-27, said AP and AFP.

During a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, “I will sound out our fellow members whether we should boycott." However, Gordon Brown of the U.K., which will inherit the Olympic torch, reiterated Britain’s determination to have an official presence at the ceremony.

Sarkozy, by contrast, threatened to boycott the opening ceremony even before his visit to the U.K. Given that the foreign ministerial meeting of EU members started on Mar. 28, it is expected to address the issue of a joint boycott of the opening ceremony, as chances are high that more EU countries will not attend.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang strongly insisted that, "The Tibet issue is totally an internal affair of China and we do not accept any foreign interference.”

orionha@donga.com