Writing in the China Post, Frank Ching argues that Beijing’s hosting of the summer olympic games of 2008 did nothing to advance human rights. One would imagine that the same would go for Sochi.
The two issues — human rights and China’s international standing — are clearly related. If China had made use of the Olympics to improve its human rights record, as it had promised, there is no doubt that its prestige today would be much higher, even without a financial crisis.
Beijing dazzled the world at the Olympics, especially with its spectacular opening ceremonies. What a pity that China did not capitalize more on such a wonderful opportunity.