Disrupting Beijing's Winter Olympics bidding does not conform with Olympic Spirit

2015-07-30 10:47:00 | From:

Recently, "Tibetan activists" and others called on the International Olympic Committee not to award the 2022 Winter Games to Beijing, saying China’s human rights record after the 2008 Olympics in the Chinese capital "worsened rather than showing a hoped-for improvement," according to the Washington Post report.

As before the 2001 vote for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, "Tibetan rights groups and human rights activists" have tried to disrupt the city's lobbying to prevent the decision from going to Beijing, the report says.

But according to the white paper published in June 2015, the cause of human rights in China has entered a stage of planned, sustainable, steady and comprehensive development. "After years of unremitting efforts, China has reached a higher level in terms of people's living standards, democracy, rule of law, cultural development, social security and environmental protection."

As deputy director of the Human Rights Research Center of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Liu Huawen said, "China’s views of human rights are advancing with the times. It has been developing from the economic development to the economic, political, cultural, religious and ecological aspects combined."

Last year the economy in the Tibet Autonomous Region grew faster than the eastern regions of China. In 2014, China's GDP growth was 7.4 percent more than the previous year, and GDP growth in the Tibet Autonomous Region was 3.4 percent higher than that of the national average, according to the white paper.

Since 1965 the Tibet Autonomous Region People's Congress and its Standing Committee have enacted more than 290 local laws and legally binding resolutions, implementing a number of nationally drafted laws that are appropriate for Tibet, the white paper says.

In addition, the right of use and development of Tibetan language, culture, and religion are all respected and protected. Tibet has nearly 800 intangible cultural heritage items and 158 precious ancient books entered into the national precious ancient book record. Monks and nuns enjoy full coverage for health insurance, pensions, welfare subsidies, and personal accident insurance.

The human rights situation also achieved new developments in environmental protection last year. The white paper mentions that Tibet has invested 5.7 billion yuan in the protection and construction of national ecological security barrier. Tibet currently has 413,700 square kilometers of nature reserve areas, and more than 6 million hectares of wetlands, both ranking first in China.

As one of China’s ethnic minority regions, Tibet, since its peaceful liberation in 1951 and the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965, has achieved a great leap from a feudal serfdom to a socialist society. The Tibetan people have become masters of their own in the country and the society. Therefore, Tibet’s human rights situation has much improved today than in the old days.

At present, all Chinese people are heartily looking forward to the holding of a successful and wonderful Winter Olympics. Ethnic Tibetans are included.

Two days before the final decision is made, Tibetan athletes and sports fans expressed their best wishes to Beijing as the final decision on the 2022 Winter Olympics host city nears, as Xinhua reported.

"If Beijing wins the bid for 2022, all eyes will be on China again, and it will be another good chance for minority athletes," said Limaoco, a female Tibetan racewalker at Qinghai Duoba National Sports Training Base.

Sonamje, mother of Choeyang Kyi, China's first Tibetan Olympic medalist in 20-km racewalking in London, said another Olympics at Beijing will be a festival and success.

"In 2008, when Beijing Olympics were held, the whole family gathered at the grassland to watch the televised opening ceremony. It was a festival for us, because sports have made my daughter's career, and we are proud of her," said Sonamje.

Ngawang Tashi, a veteran mountain climber who has conquered Mount Qomolangma several times agreed. "The Olympics will get more people to love sports, no doubt about that," he said.

On July 31, 2015, the host city for the Olympic Winter Games 2022 will be elected at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur following a final presentation by the cities to the full IOC membership.

As is well known, Beijing won the bid and successfully hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008 despite the thwart by some “Tibetan activists” in the name of “human rights”, which is not in keeping with the Olympic Spirit.

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