In the unseasonable cold of the spring of 1980, there was an impromptu meeting of oarsmen at the back of the Boat House in Hammersmith. We were there to debate the Amateur Rowing Association's decision to boycott the Moscow Olympics in protest at the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. We were annoyed that, under pressure from Margaret Thatcher's Government, it had adopted such a stance without consulting us. As a result of this gathering we got together with other athletes and a handful of us, including Seb Coe and Duncan Goodhew, worked to ensure that our voices were heard.
We finally persuaded some of the governing bodies to change their minds and support the British Olympic Association's decision to send a team. It was not easy: I was called into the Foreign Office to be carpeted by Douglas Hurd; we received a daily postbag of diatribes; and a senior Tory party official told me that any aspirations of a political career might as well be forgotten if I set foot in Moscow.
In 1980 and in 1984 at Los Angeles, the Cold War was played out on the Olympic stage - but to little effect. The Soviet Union was not persuaded to change its policies. Despite many countries boycotting the Games, it would be another nine years before the last Russian troops retreated from Afghanistan.
The case at the time was clear to my team-mates and me. Despite the horrors of the Soviet invasion, it was wrong for the Government to ask sportsmen and women to make the sole sacrifice. Trade continued between the Soviet Union and the West; diplomatic relations stayed intact; cultural exchanges were unaffected; and anyone could walk down Piccadilly and buy a ticket on Aeroflot and spend their summer holiday in Leningrad. Only the athletes were being targeted and only the athletes would suffer.
Between now and August, calls for a boycott of the Games in Beijing will echo around the world to show revulsion at China's support of the Sudanese regime, its disregard for human rights, and its occupation of Tibet. But the heart of the issue is whether the cause of human rights is best served by isolating China or by critical engagement.
As Chairman of the British Olympic Association I will listen carefully to the arguments of those who favour a boycott. Holding the Games in China without any improvement in the situation is, they say, against the spirit of the Olympic ideals; it cheapens the Olympic movement and proves that money trumps morality. With no boycott, these voices conclude, the Chinese will be rewarded with a propaganda coup at the expense of the Olympic movement and fundamental human values.
But there is a counter-argument. I would argue that the high media profile of the Olympics will ensure that the spotlight of international attention shines brightly on Beijing and this spotlight, in time, will bring dividends; that sport and the Olympics are a force for good in themselves; that engagement is preferable to isolation; that humiliating China is unlikely to achieve anything and would ultimately prove counterproductive.
By raising awareness of the situation in China, the Games are already exerting pressure for change. It is precisely because the Chinese have invested so much in the hosting of the Olympic Games that we have any leverage at all on human rights. That's part of the reason why Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Human Rights in China have not called for a boycott.
Sports boycotts have a patchy record at best. The sporting boycott of South Africa was a success because it was only one of a wide number of diplomatic pressure points, such as economic sanctions, applied to the South African regime by a united international community. Even so, the dismantling of apartheid took three decades to achieve.
The example of South Africa in no way mirrors the situation in China today. The international community's relationship with China is by and large a warm one; a boycott would be the source of bitter division. There are no economic or political sanctions - a boycott of the Beijing Games is the sporting equivalent of a UN sanction imposed on China; something that no leading Western government has any intention of proposing. Chinese sportsmen and women do not face boycotts in other events; no one, for instance, is calling for a boycott of the Shanghai Grand Prix.
To use the Olympics as a one-off gesture of condemnation serves no useful purpose. Athletes should neither be asked nor expected to solve a problem to which the governments of the world have yet to find an answer.
So my deep-rooted conviction remains that athletes should compete in Beijing and I will fight for that right on their behalf. In sport we can set the example of engaging, not isolating. The athletes should look up at the Olympic flame and be proud that, through its strength, there is a real chance for change in the world's most populous country. That flame is undoubtedly shining into the recesses of China.
Ironically, the greatest challenge may come when the flame is extinguished on August 24. Many human rights campaigners will wish that the Olympic Games were an annual event; and that the permanent site was Beijing.
Lord Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association, won a silver medal in the Moscow Games
To all CCP advocates: Remember 1989.
Kong Lau, Shanghai, China
A considerable number of comments here show the following (of course there are some reasonable comments):
1. Typical eurocentrism- the west is the best, whatever the west media said must be correct.
2. Lack of indepedent thinking, drawing conclusions before knowing the fact. How many people have studied the history of Tibet, including the "human rights", before 1949? How many persons know the true situation happening in Tibet in the last few days? Why Dala Lama said that he would resign if more violent anti-China unrest would occurr? I am not saying that the Chinese government is all correct- but is it correct for some persons to blame the Chinese government only? If the Tibetans have their rights, how about the Han Chinese? Should they be killed or burned to death? Should the government do nothing? Some of the images are released at CNN. Should calling hatre and violence be encouraged?
Try to be more objective and at least respect others! Think of Iraq!
Tracey , Hong Kong,
The tibet issue is all about the West patting itself on the back. Oh look we are saving poor but so saintly people from evil oppression. Yay liberation. It's all hypocrisy when one considers the damage the West has done throughout the world. Colonial empires "dividing and conquering" colonies so that ethnic tensions become ripe for genocide, ie. rwanda. . And what about the shifty things happening in Iraq. Aren't those human rights abuses too? The United States continually props up governments favourable to it regardless of political tone. China is only facing criticism because it is and could potentially be of greater competition.
The West should probably look at problems existing within their own realms. Oh and good job Austrialia, only recently apologizing to its aborgines and closing an internment camp.
Just fabulous beacons of light to the rest of the world.
Alice, Kingston ,
To all anti China critics. This is sad. Most pro China views are not given space here supposedly to give an impression that China is wrong. Let me begin what is Chineseness. When a Chinese host invests guests to his house for dinner, he would provide the best food and drink he can afford. He endevours to make the guest feel comfortable. At the same time the guests are expected to have respect even if they find the host house not clean and untidy or too cramp etc. No comparision should be made. A guest can reciprocate and invite the host to his house. If the host finds the guest's house clean, big, tidy pleasant, etc the host will politely praise the quest (now host). The first host will return to his house and being industrious he will make every effort to tidy up his house and improve. This is the Chinese way. Learn to respect. China has opened up. It wants to improve its people lives. Rome was not built in a day. Tibetans too will gain. So do not meddle in China's affair.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
I do not know how some comments can be so long. I have only 1000 C to write mine. The West incl Aussies can have power failure on 080808, the Olympics will still be held successfully. Those who can see the truth and are focussed on Sports will view the games. We Asians and pro truth western friends cannot be fooled.
Maybe when power return and you are more sensible, then perhaps will regret you did not switch on your TV. The London Olympics comes next in a blink of the eye. The British people will woo the world. Perhaps the Iragis will close an eye on Britains role in Irag and switch their TV to watch Londons game. Afterall sport is sport. Through understanding mutual respect through communication through love the world will be a better place. I have my doubts the US, British and the Europeans are ready for truth. They just want to continue their colonial traits. Where is the relevance for NATO?. If Asian countries form an Alliance. What is next for the World. Think!
Lim, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Boyccot Chinese products starting form smashing every thing made in China in your house. Then throw away your China-made computer so that you cannot put those nosenses here any more.
S M Liu, Melbourne, Australia
look at
US in Iraq
US&Britain in east Timor
India's invasion of surrounding country
YOU WILL KNOW WHAT HUMAN RIGHTS IS ALL ABOUT
Linda, philadelphia, US
Virtually no-one in the West would give a stuff about Tibet were it not for the Olympics.
This is just a stick to beat China. Hypocrisy hypocrisy hypocrisy.
Alan, Blackpool,
The most effective boycot would be is NO one turned on their Televisions and watched this event. Poor viewing figures equal financial and thus political failure!
Ian, Brisbane, Australia
I completely believe with you guys - I'm boycotting the Olympics this year. I will not watch the games.
If you want to go a step further, we should call on boycotts of those companies sponsoring the Olympics. Maybe China doesn't care about the little guy, but the companies (and IOC) would get the message. I believe, this will get there attention.
It is the VERY LEAST we can do. I wish, our nations would do more.
Take a gander at this
http://myamarnews.blogspot.com/2008/02/big-olympic-sponsors-start-running-for.html
And - Spielburg has pulled out of Olympic Games:
http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2008/02/12/china18041.htm
( Btw, JoeJoe, I think, you need to look at a Free Press once in awhile. You can't murder thousands of their own citizens every year and believe your leaders are righteous people. You have a different definition of idealist, than I do. )
~~ free tibet ~~~
wolf, buffalo, new york (u.s.)
I think anyone with any understanding of politics would not have failed to appreciate that the USA s boycott of the Russian Olympic games was because the Americans did not want a large number of their population to see that Russia was an agreeable country in which to live, and a big contrast to the propaganda that they had been fed. To some extent, I submit the same principle applies to this potentially controversial view of China; the disparagement is an endeavour to depreciate the impression that visitors will have of the country.
Henry Percy, London, UK
I am a Tibetan and I am not against Beijing's hosting the game but i am against the extremely extreme human right's violations against my people who merely stood up for their right for religious freedom and cultural survival.
Because of all the basic Human right's violations not just against Tibetan people, but also against their own people like falon gong practitioner, I assume the talk of boycott came into question .What have we done so wrong to deserve the atrocities we have suffered all these years? Why? Is it because you can?Let's talk face to face like a real man should rather than labelling H.Holiness as wolf or Jackal.Grow up and come out of the zoo and see how beautiful this world can be with dialogue and understanding for other people's right and justice.The world doesn't hate Chinese people but the ignorant and stubborn leaders of China are making us loath all Chinese unwillingly.HELP US HELP YOU...!!
tenzin, New York City-TIBET, united state
The brits and the americans are correct about human rights. They're the perfect lecturers. After all, they have so much experience with their perfect imperial/colonial history along with the recent human rights triumph in Iraq.
Cliff, Toronto, Canada
I am for a boycott of the Olympics. I disagree that it would isolate and exclude China; attending the Olympics is hardly a symbol of improving international relations. Negotiations with China must occur, but any absence of a world leader at the Olympics would not rule these out.
Your point that boycotts don't acheive much doesn't justify attendance; even if it acheives nothing, it still remains intuitively wrong to condone and gain from the current actions of the Chinese government. A similar example demonstrates this line of thought: It will not stop the BNP operating if I don't attend one of their meetings, but my conscience stops me attending anyway.
Finally, I find it hard to believe that there won't be a bigger spotlight on China if there is a boycott, and also fail to see how a 2 week event will change the Chinese regime, and have 'human rights campaigners...wish that the Olympic Games were an annual event; and that the permanent site was Beijing.'
Tom, London,
Sometimes we need to do the right thing regardless of consequences. Even if governments lack the backbone to pull their delegations, lack of viewership of the Olympics could make the Games a net bust for the Chinese. Don't watch the games or buy any memorabilia with the Olympic imprimatur.
Nat Atkins, Mechanicsville, Virginia
No one is calling for a boycot of the Shanghai Grand Prix because it would hurt the pockets of the santimonious righteous western hypocrites who have no qualms about milking as much money out of China.
Once the Olympic games are over the Darfur and Tibet would be forgotten.
Hung , kuala lumpur,
So don't boycott the games. Go for the sport and the competition but miss the opening and closing ceremonies.
John Peters, Swansea,
Hopefully many athletes will take the opportunity the podium gives them and emulate their forebears Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics.
HC, London,
During so-called "Culture revolution" from 1967-1976 in China, most ancient buildings,palaces,relics,temples were destroied all round China, not only in Tibet,not only monasteries in Tibet. Because it was a crazy times, according the view at that crazy time, all ancient things should be swept, so Chinese ancient culture buildings were also damaged by "Red-Guard"(Crazy middle school and college students) during that period. So donot consider it's Han Chinese ruined Tibet culture, the fact is those crazy people ruined all kinds ancient culture in China.
Welch, Chongqing, China
Forget high politics. Let's each of us as private citizens individually ignore the Olympics - not watch it on telly, not read about it in the papers, not buy goods with Olympic promotions on the labels (but I don't mean boycott advertisers - they're not to blame for the Tibet massacres). If you deny the Chinese regime an audience, you will have done your part.
Mark Rutherford, NEW YORK, USA
Robert from Horsham..... go to Tibet and then tell us all you think the Chinese are lovely people. I have and they aren't.
Of course the athletes, those that have trained and coordinated their steroid abuse for the olympics will not want to boycott. Their sporting performance is far more important than the crushing of a fragile people and the resultant cost in lives.
Where are your priorities. Sport is just a pleasant diversion. Life and justice should take precidence and we should do whatever we can to improve the Tibetians lot as much as the aboriginal or Zimbabwean or Darfurians (thanks to China again) and if boycotting the Olympics may cause a Chinese loss of face then so be it. A small price to pay.
If the IOC wasn't too busy taking back handers they'd perhaps have the backbone to show some initiative. But there are just too many people in power simply trying to be popular and not enough showing any sort of real conviction in what is right and what is wrong in the world.
Dale, Australia,
There are some fair arguments here about the Olympics bringing a spotlight on Beijing. In part, that is what is already happening.
However there must be limits to this argument. Would Mr. Moynihan argue that it was best to attend Berlin in 1936 ? I am not making a direct comparison but suggesting there are limits.
A widespread outright boycott does seem unlikely at present although individual athletes may drop out either to make a point or indeed for their good health in the face of the Beijing summer smog.
However for all world leaders to cheerily attend the opening ceremony (as George W is planning) I feel misses an opportunity to register at least some reservations about the goings on in Tibet (and indeed the wider human rights record across the whole of China).
Luis Donatella, London, UK
Is it surprising that we in the UK and US are less than popular on the world stage. Once the Uk at least could claim to a degree of moral authority. The tolerance of race and difference we so often preach at home seldom seems to reach beyond our borders and our out pouring of ill informed moral indignation at the behaviour of others seems to reach ever greater heights of hypocrisy. I am Uk born and bred. I visit China as part of an extended family. I know the north east reasonably well and especially Liaoning Province. To me the Chinese are a hard working, reasonably well informed and proud people who have a government that while far from perfect has improved their lot beyond all expectations. There is much in their society that we would do well to learn from. It is little wonder many Chinese now look west with a degree of contempt. What we need is not emotive divisive boycotts but more contact, communication, respect and understanding.
Robert, Horsham, West Sussex
Move the games to Athens, permanently. This makes historical and financial sense.
At a time when the Tibetans are being crushed, murdered and rounded up for toture why are we sanctioning a terror regime such as China.
We can use the media during the games to protest but what will happen afterwards? The curtain will go up and more people will be added to the already 7m Chinese that are held in prison because of their religious and political views.
Take a look at what is happening in Tibet. No foreign journo can get access and the People's Daily is effectively saying they will round up the dissidents, chuck them in jail and torture them for daring to protest against Chinese terror.
Wake up world, some of the politicians are.
Janice Small, Sevenoaks, UK
In fact, because central government's unreasonable nation policy, Han Chinese people have become 2nd-class citizen in China now. For example, if a Tibetan killed a Han Chinese, he would not be sentenced to death, on the contrary, if a Han Chinese killed a Tibetan, he is surely sentenced to death. Another example, the opportunity of entering university for higher education: if a Tibetan middle school student and Han Chinese middle school student have gotten a same score in exam, and if there is only one person can be allowed to enter university, it's sure that the Tibetan student will get the opportunity. And so on, ...
It's unfair.
Welch, Chongqing, China
Whether to boycott:
I’ll make my point again – change the venue; there is still time. The athletes will get to participate, and China will be sent the powerful message that totalitarianism is repugnant to the rest of the world. .
Monroe, Riverside, California, U.S.A.
there was a decision by the highest levels in China to use the Olympic games as propaganda, to show they have arrived on the world stage. Well, we're all paying attention. Only problem is, us Westerners, having a little bit of experience with freedom of dissent and a free press, can see right through their clumsy attempts to manage information. Now the Chinese are saying there will be no live feed from Tianamen square, in case anyone protests or waves a Tibetan flag. The writer of this article acts as if the Chinese government is reasonable. Newsflash for you. Dictators have no voters to answer to. Our family will not watch.
Wilbur Varela, Los Angeles, Tibet
Now Han Chinese people go to Tibet to open business,make money, also foreigners come to China to open business, make money, it also changes culture in China in some extent,So why Han Chinese people may not change culture in Tibet in some extent, and should be expelled from Tibet by Tibetan sword,and foreigners may stay China, run their business,make money,and change culture in China? It's unfair.
Welch, Chongqing, China
As a Chinese girl who really respect Tibetan and their culture, I'm really worried about the future of China, including Tibet. During this special year with growing economic of China, throe always gets along with progressive upheaval. If this crisis is not dealt with properly ,it maybe engenders infaust factors to steady change of China society, which maybe makes China become the next Latin America. Apparently, recessionary economy of China will aggravate global economic recessionary in this year. Actually, I think mature democracy and educated civil society is the ultima direction and trend where China will develop. However, China is on the transitional track where all kinds of social systems are still expected to improve and be steady. Just imagine that if mature democracy and educated civil society are the fertile soil in which the democratic seeds grow healthily, how can democratic seeds grow healthily in an immature democracy and developing civil society so as to gestate democratic fruitage? Otherwise China will become the next queasy Filipine or Indonesia. However, I believe China is forming its fertile soil ----mature democracy and educated civil society.
Furthermore, if you know well about the background of China leaders, you will find that they are all idealists and patriots with devotional beliefs. Although they claim publicly that they are zendics, they behave themselves just like devotional Christians or Muslems. What’s different is that they believe in communist. Premier Wen jiabao graduated from Nankai School where ex- Premier Chou Enlai had ever graduated. Like ex- Premier Chou Enlai, Premier Wen jiabao is loved and esteemed with Chinese because of his sincere emotion. What’s not forgotten is that both Premier Wen jiabao and the probable next Chinese president Xi Jingping were persecuted during the Culture Revolution when majority of Chinese suffered al lot. So I believe nowadays Chinese leaders don’t search for domineering empire at all which will result in backslide and pursue gradualism social reform so as to ensure stormy revolution don’t wash out the nutrient of the forming fertile soil----the latest economic and social fruitage might be destroyed.Thus, I believe China will develope into a mature democratic country where all respects of society are improved, which needs time. As for Tibet issue, it’s really an intractable problem. On one hand, it’s impossible for China to give up Tibet; on the other hand, the concept of two systems in one country may not apply for Tibet issue ,for Tibet issue has its complexity and particularity.
Finally, China is different from South Africa.,for there don’t exist apartheid in China which maybe most of westeners wouldn’t approve of me. Carefully refer to Chinese laws, you’ll find that apartheid and ethical discrimination are banned by law. However, ethical estrangement exists to some degree because of ethical personality. And Chinese leaders handle the ethical issue with great care. And I think if China is wise enough ,she must let foreign reporters into Tibet. Otherwise, China will lose the trust in the western world, which maybe has been a fact for a long time while China also don’t trust the west because of historic problem And what’s important is that foreign reporters should give up their prejudice ,stereotyping of China and ideology so as to ensure their viewpoints are objective.
JoeJoe, Guangzhou, China
go to youtube and find what lie around us,seeing is beliving,the cnn even cut some picture to make up news~! germany fabirc news and useing some pictures in Nepal but said it happen in china,they even can find out what different between Nepal an china.only timeonline is honesy report everynews.
leeyang, shenyang, china
Do you guys think u are important to China? sorry, if u dont like Olympics in beijing, u can tune off ur tv or boycott it what ever. but who care? trust me, it will be better game without u guys, lol
mason, london, uk
i was shocked deeply by so many friendless comments on our beijing olympic and so-called crackdown in Tibet. welcome to china, she is totally different to descriptions and reports most of which is only focus on the negative side of china society.
GQ, shanghai, china
i was deeply shocked by so many unkind comments here on our beijng olympics and so-called crackdown in Tibet. welcome to china, she is totally different to the descriptions and reports you can read and learn in media,most of which is only focus on negative side of china society meanwhile the rest of country around world are yet not perfect. can we express our opinons after we have a fair and objective view?
GQ, shanghai, china
The most important human rights is provideing food and work opportunities for Chinese people now.
Welch, Chongqing, China
Here, here Bruce - let them lose face.......that really hurts in China........
Tom West, London, UK
it's really a shame that people in the west wouldn't even try to know a bit of the history of china and of tibet before they start to accuse china of this and of that. what do you know about what happened in china and in tibet that has made you say what you say? the western media is all the same, without making enough investigation and judging into shameful conclusions. it is a great disgrace to them and from now on no one can trust them any longer. there is no neutrality and objectiveness to talk about in terms of their reports. and they are a big culprit in demonising china and the chinese nation. this prejudice will of course backfire if not corrected.
syp, barnet,
The Games were awarded to China initially to draw attention to the poor human rights record. it provides campaigners the opportunity to embarrass the Chinese government in the run-up to the Games. It allows athletes and journalists to see for themselves conditions in China and do more than report on the Games alone.
By all means call for boycotts of the Games, of trade, of diplomatic contacts. But don't be so silly as to actually do it!
Anthony J Byrne, Camberley, UK
Why is it that politicians are nigh on always out of sinc with reality, they must have some sort of built in filter that keeps reality from invading their thought processes, the media in china is controlled by the government, in the past week I have asked many people here, Beijing, what they think of the crackdown in Tibet, they all bar non parrot the government line, it’s the hateful Tibetans who are trying to ruin the games etc, and believe me when I say any other opinion is just not allowed, how can you have a fair and balanced view of China when there’s only one opinion allowed. Of course China is making progress on many fronts, but a lack of development on human rights and it’s fear of loosing control of it’s power isn’t amongst them, since China was awarded the games, nearly everything the government has said it will do it has not done, in fact it has got worse from a media point of view as well as a human rights one, thousands of people have been illegally evicted from their hom
Peter, Beijing , China
The Olympics should be boycotted. No it will not change the way they act but it will give them a loss of face and that is important. Thy should know that yes they can do as they wish but there is some penalty involved as a result. This lofty notion that "sport" is so important and that it transcends
all else is just so much crap. There are far more important stakes here than a bunch of narcissistic jocks.
Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
Sports...vs cultural genocide and religious persecution...c'mon, Colin! There is never any guarantee that any boycott will work. But just holding the Olympics like nothing is happening is just putting your head in the sand. The US and GB could at least boycott the Opening Ceremonies.
My family will not be watching the Olympics, either, and we are boycotting the sponsors. Have a little faith!
Diana Glass, Arlington, USA
What do you mean "work"? Since when was it a requirement of a principled stand that it be seen to "work"?
Opposing a boycott on the basis that it won't "work" is about the highest level of moral cowardice that I can imagine.
Failing to boycott the Olympics because it won't "work" is tantamount to telling every dictator that they only have to hang tough and the West will ignore them because in any case it won't "work".
Oh, and try telling the Dalai Lama that his existence for the past decades has been pointless because the Chinese are still in Lhasa, and it didn't "work".
jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/US
There is no evidence at all that any of the international attention and criticism which China has received in regard to civil amnd human rights has had any impact at all. To suggest that holding the Olympics in China is likely to produce such benefits flies in the face of the experience of the last decades.
China does not care what the world thinks. It is quite happy to impose its will by lethal force in Tibet even in an Olympic year. There are still countless journalists, lawyers, dissidents, christians and buddhists in prison for simply disagreeing with the Communist dictatorship.
It is appalling that China could even have been considered to host the Games without clear demands being made in regard to human rights and clear evidence that a marked improvement had taken place.
My family will NOT be watching the Olympics in 2008.
Peter, Maidstone,
Lord Moynihan points out that "the spotlight of international attention shines brightly on Beijing" but somehow we are meant to ignore this opportunity and hope that somehow the goodwill of the Olympics will somehow persuade the Chinese government to suddenly act in a more responsible manner.
I fail to see how a sporting event can have any far reaching effects, other than showing that the Chinese are great at crushing dissent in order to make that event occur.
Yes, the Chinese have invested a huge amount in these games and that is why causing humiliation is Exactly what we should do. It may seem unfair on sportsmen but it would be a just sacrifice if this could provoke international support, trade sanctions and pressure on China to change. The international system has failed and this event is exactly the trigger that is needed to make it succeed. It is a completely different situation from the cold war.
Tibet knows the world is watching -they are using this opportunity, so must we.
Ben, London, England