Games put China under the spotlight

At $43 billion, the Beijing Olympics, which begin today, represent one of the most expensive coming-out parties in history. And the belle of the ball has a lot to be proud of. China has risen from poverty and social chaos to engineer one of the most impressive economic success stories ever.

With a delegation of some 600 athletes, China hopes to punctuate its success with a slew of gold medals before the end of the Games on Aug. 24.

"This is such a great moment for China," said Chen Yongming, 55, an engineer and a big fan of track and field, table tennis and swimming. "We're very proud of our civilization."

At a time when the government should be beaming, however, it's got the jitters.

An attack Monday on a border police station in far western Xinjiang province killed 16 paramilitary members. And the country has seen a wave of protests by foreign activists who managed to enter China despite stepped-up visa restrictions, a strict ticketing system and extensive screening.

On Thursday, China deported two Britons with Students for a Free Tibet who unfurled banners a day earlier near the National Stadium, a group spokesman said, and about 2,000 Tibetan demonstrators in Nepal clashed with police while protesting Chinese rule of their homeland.

In response to a speech by President Bush in Bangkok, Thailand, urging Beijing to improve human rights, China's Foreign Ministry called for bilateral dialogue. The ministry also said in a statement, "We firmly oppose any words or acts that interfere in other countries' internal affairs, using human rights and religion and other issues."

In addition, the Turkestan Islamic Party, which has threatened to attack Olympic targets, again urged Muslims to stay away.

And pollution in Beijing remains a source of constant concern for the image-obsessed country, even on good days. Early today the city was socked in under a heavy cloud of smog.

In some ways the lead-up has almost set aside the fact that representatives from around the world have gathered for a sporting event. About 10,700 athletes from 205 countries will be competing in 28 sports.

China, after finishing second to the United States in gold medals four years ago in Athens by a count of 36 to 32, could get the most medals this time, experts say.