Since we found out that we were going to the Beijing Olympics we've been paying more attention to the news... not that we need to pay attention... there seems to be something about China on the national news pretty much every night... and I am sure my news savvy readers know the news ain't good.
Even before the violence in Tibet, China has been always under fire for human rights violations and more recent years heavily criticized over their supportive relationship with the Sudanese government.
Here are just a smattering of recent headlines (and believe me, I didn't have to look that hard)...
Headed for Olympics? Beware of Big Brother
Terrorism at Beijing Olympics?
Athletes Wary of Pollution During Beijing Olympic Games
Olympics flame-lighting event disrupted in Greece
France may boycott opening of Olympics
China rethinks Tiananmen Olympics broadcasts
Rising crime in China puts foreigners at risk
That first item was particularly interesting... with the U.S. State Department "fact sheet" noting:
"All visitors should be aware that they have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public or private locations. All hotel rooms and offices are considered to be subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all times. Hotel rooms, residences and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant's consent or knowledge."
Todd has been reading Madeleine Albright's latest book Memo To The President Elect and she pretty much confirmed it...
"While in Beijing recently, I was watching cable news in my hotel when the broadcaster announced the start of a congressional hearing on China and the Internet; immediately, the screen went blank. A friend accidentally opened an unmarked door in a different Chinese hotel only to behold a row of startled young men seated in front of monitors, spying (via concealed cameras) on guests in their rooms. Big Brother requires a large labor force, and, in China, he has one."
Should be an interesting experience all around!
Congratulations on your plans to come to Beijing for the Olympics! I've been living here on and off for 20 years, and moved here most recently in August 2006; if you need any help planning your stay, or want to have some local know-how, please do let me know! (PS, I'm American, gay, and have my partner and two dogs here!)
Posted by: James in Beijing | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 12:58 PM