Olympics could help world better understand China

SHANGHAI — In the China Finance Journalists Union offices on the fourth floor of Shanghai's Pudong Holiday Inn Hotel, an international summit commenced recently to discuss China's hosting of the 2008 Olympics and how the Chinese people may react to the historic invasion of international media.

The group was small — participating were two Chinese journalism officials and one visiting American reporter — and the meeting's impact far from earth-shattering.

But the open exchange paralleled what one saw as the spirit of the 2008 Beijing Games.

"I think the Olympic Games provide a good platform for communication," said Yang Ming, secretary-general of the China Finance Journalists Union. "There are so many people from so many countries, with chances for them to see China and to understand China."

Since journalists are supposed to have their proverbial fingers on the pulse of the public, I called on Yang and CFJU deputy secretary-general Cheng Wenlan to get their perspectives. They had invited me to help present a multiday seminar last March to Chinese journalists on tips for covering the Olympics.

Yang and Cheng were asked of perceived benefits of hosting the Olympics, how attitudes have changed since Beijing was awarded the Games in 2001 and how the Chinese may react to negative international news coverage and possible protests.

"For the short and the intermediate terms, I don't think the Olympic Games will reward as much as we have invested," said Yang of the conservative estimates that China has spent some $40 billion in construction and preparations.

The immediate financial benefits are not being realized, with the stock market on a downturn and economic conditions not as robust as expected, said Yang, who also cited the obstacles of a tightened security throughout Beijing and China and the widespread visa restrictions facing foreign visitors this year.

"China does not enjoy the tourism income as much as we expected," he said.

"To some extent, I think we have taken some considerable risks in hosting the Olympic Games," he said, adding that in the long term, "China will benefit greatly from the Olympic Games as we gain more understanding of our culture and our soul and our spirit."

"China expects (to have) more influence in the global platform now. I think the Games have been an exhibit as to what China is and how we think, of our culture and our new image."

Cheng underscored the national pride fostered by China's hosting the Olympics. "It's not only the government that has attached a great importance to the Olympic Games," she said, "but the Chinese people are very enthusiastic about it, too."