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ShareThe Beijing Olympics, which get under way in 10 days, are for China a chance to showcase both its ancient and contemporary strengths. But the run-up to the Games has been overshadowed by a string of bad news. The Olympic torch relay faced protests in response to China's crackdown on an uprising in Tibet in March; then came the earthquake in southwest China, which killed 70,000. Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have cited fears of terrorist attacks to enforce a security lockdown of Beijing -- and tightened visa regulations, effectively rolling up the red carpet they had laid out to the world. Will this be the most joyless Olympics ever? Sun Weide, spokesperson of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games (BOCOG), tells Venkatesan Vembu that despite these challenges, it will be a great carnival.
Is China ready for the Olympics?
We have been preparing for seven years, and now we're completely ready. All the 37 competition venues have been prepared; we've organised more than 40 international sports competitions at some of the venues.
The torch relay has travelled to many international cities, and is now covering mainland Chinese cities. We're in the final stage of preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies.
You've faced severe challenges in recent months: the torch protests, pollution, an algae bloom outbreak in Qingdao...
The algae issue has been resolved. The sailing competition area has been cleared, and it's had no effect on the quality of the water in the competition area. The torch relay was generally very successful, including in India. Many government leaders and the general public and sportspersons greeted the torch. Of course, there were some protests... and the protestors even resorted to violence to put out the torch, and grab the torch from a disabled torchbearer in a wheelchair in Paris. These kinds of protest have proved to be unpopular.
This is the first time China is hosting the summer Olympics; we're only the third Asian city (after Tokyo in 1964 and Seoul in 1988) to host the event.There have been challenges: there's the concern about air pollution... But over the past 10 years, the Beijing municipal government has implemented over 200 kinds of measures to improve air quality.
Are you satisfied with the level of air quality?
There's a distinction between air quality and atmospheric conditions. Sometimes, the sky may not be clear but the air quality may still be good.
We're not 100 per cent satisfied with air quality. But Beijing and five neighbouring provinces are joining hands to control air pollution. We're reasonably confident that the measures we've taken over the past 10 years will improve air quality in time.
The strict enforcement of visa rules has turned away potential visitors. Are you concerned that spectator participation may not be high this time?
It's natural for organisers of any major sports competition to take proper measures for these events in the interests of safety. Having said that, in general terms it's still quite easy for international travellers to get a Chinese visa.
Critics say the security lockdown in Bejing is killing all the fun. Will this be a joyless Olympics?
I don't think so. First of all, security is important in any Olympic Games, so we've taken necessary measures to ensure a smooth Games. But we're also trying to create a harmonious atmosphere. Altogether there will be 1,700 cultural performances and 20 live sites: live sports competitions and exhibitions... It will be a major celebration of sports.
The 'hardware' for the Olympics may be in place, but the 'software' -- in terms of putting in place a suave PR mechanism -- seems to be missing.
We have everything in place for a successful Olympic Games. We welcome international visitors to Beijing. We have trained people, including taxi drivers, to speak various foreign languages. Today, more than 5.5 million Beijing residents speak and learn foreign languages.
What are your worst fears for the Games?
(Laughs) At the moment, I only hope it won't rain during the opening ceremony. And, of course I hope the air quality remains good for the period of the Games.
Are you worried about pro-Tibet or other human rights protests?
If there are protests and demonstrations, there are formal procedures to deal with them.
Will you personally be able to sit back and enjoy the Games?
Not just me: all Chinese people have high expectations of the Games, and all of us -- including the visitors -- will have a good time.
