Three cheers for "democracy" - if we don't get what we want we'll take someone else's as England has always done. Over 400 years ago they invaded Ireland, it has since been the fault of the Irish that they dared resist, even today six of the thirty-two counties are occupied by hostile forces. The people who resist the English jack-boot are called terrorists and just the fact of being a different religion is enough to get arrested or beaten to death.
Since bringing English values to Wales and Scotland they spread their democratic ways about the World. In times gone by it was said "the Sun never set nor the blood never dried on the British Empire"… How they mus long for those glorious days when they could teach others democracy. If only the Chinese were more like them and their Allies in the USA. The list of their crimes against humanity would fill a server…

Frank O'Brien, Harlow, England

Two points:

1. It is ridiculous for the PRC to claim that the Olympics should not be politicized--hosting the Olympics is a demonstration of political stature. The games this year are frequently described as a "coming out party" for the Chinese. Olympic games are and have been political for years.

2. I am impressed with the number of pro-government writers. Based on my informal survey of postings around the web on this story, it seems the PRC has really kicked its propaganda machine into high gear.

Terrence, San Francisco, CA, USA

Dear folks in free (read western) countries, please feel free to cast the first stone, for it is your birth right! Put those barbaric Chinese in their place. That's right, a country like that with such a long history (over 2 thousand years) of totalitarian regimes has no place on the world stage unless it immediately turns into a modern democracy. Baby steps are not acceptable, and neither are the tried-and-true emperialist tactics used by champions of democracy such as the U.K. That's right, it's their fault for missing that golden age of "discovering" new lands where you can conveniently kill off the natives and claim the resources are your own. Gone is that glorious time when the mighty empire can easily colonize and exploit other parts of the world. What are China's options? Gradual economic reform? Please! What are material improvements in living standards compared to freedom? Chinese citizens, you should try some western democracy. It tastes like chicken!

Zheng Liu, San Jose, California

The atrocities committed by the CCP throughout its reign make me want to wait in a secret corner and douse the Olympic flame with a large pot of Chinese tea when it passes by. Can't figure how the IOC could ever have given China the go-ahead to stage the Games.

By the way, I don't buy the party line that sport and politics don't mix. First, it's not about politics, it's about the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people, caused by you-know-who. Second, if sport and politics don't mix, they why do we pay so much attention to which COUNTRY gets to stage the Games, or how many medals each COUNTRY won?

K T, Singapore,

I was personally appalled by the images of a Tibetan attacking a Chinese man on a bicycle in Lhasa and do not condone violence of any kind. And it is true that few of our countries have an unblemished history. However I believe we should now look to the future. Peace can on be truly achieved in the long term through democratic rights and freedoms not through force, fear and torture. Tibetans, and other minorities in China, should be allowed to maintain their culture, language and religion. And don't tell me that is occuring at the moment because it isn't! Debating about whether Tibet has always been part of China is missing the point.

Karen, Melbourne, Australia

A country like the UK has an even worse history of conquering and oppressing and since it hasn't paid for its crimes it should be preoccupied with self-judgement rather than judging others.

Andreas Andreou, Nottingham, UK

The real thugs and terrorists are Dalai Lama and his followers, as well as those stupid western politicians who know nothing better than trying to score points by attacking China.

paul, Shanghai, People's Republic of China

TO:Pete, Kingston upon Hull, England,and whoever thinking Tibet is a country:

How about the Northern Ireland ? Gentlemen, should we look at ourselvies first?

Dorje, Lhasa, PRC

To wiltshire wurzel @ swindon

Indeed! I could not agree with you more!

I think only the people in a democratic regime should be allowed to vote. That is how we voted for Tony Blair, and as a representative of the people, he made the decision to invade Iraq. I still remember a gentleman on Question Time claimed that a country like Iran should never be allowed to have nuclear weapons, and therefore we shall vote and invade Iran as well!!!

Kerr, London, UK

Er.. didn't the Chinese invade Tibet about 50 years ago?. Tibet is part of China the same way Hungary and Czechoslovakia were part of Russia. Or how the Netherlands was part of Gemany, eh Bruno?!

Pete, Kingston upon Hull, England

Helen.

Re :"the truth is unchangeable", some truths apparently are, i.e. Tiananmen

Steve , london,

"Politics is politics, Sport is sport"

Oh yeah, anyone remember Berlin 1936?

By the way, what possible reason could be behind the Chinese authorities' expulsion of all foreign reporters?

Bob, Barcelona , Catalonia

Don't forget the various petitions that are on No10's website, let the Government see what people think of these abuses against human beings!

Robert Hesselden, Dalton, UK

China should never have been allowed to host the olympics.

wiltshire wurzel, swindon,

Not too many comments from Tibet, wonder why?

Paul, Kildare, Republic of Ireland

Save the Olympics. Dont quench the Olympic flame. Its the taking part that counts. Value the underdog . Cheer honest athletic effort. Forget Tibet.

Paul, Kildare, Republic of Ireland

"It worries me that in three to four years the relay will be discontinued....."
Why does the Chinese State employ a chief executive who does not know that the Olympics is held once every four years?
Money for old rope. Got a similar job for me?

Ian, Solihull, UK

i love my country ,but not the gov.

Kasten Han, shenzhen, china

Any body here who really know the situation, really know the history of our Tibet? If I declare Felixstowe is an independent country today though I never been there even one day, let me know your feeling?

Fisher, Ningbo China,

Do you think only Chinese people go to england? Also there are so many british in China! If you don't know that,you can learn more,blow you mind,then when you take speech next time,people will think you're a educated guy.

Dorje, Lhasa, PRC

Hey zhou, if China is so great, how come we have so many Chinese illegals risking their lives to get into OUR country?

Cal, Brighton, UK

My father had been sent to Tibet for 3 years to help construction. He told me most of Tibet people are content with their life and the most of which they seek for is peace. Those who always on the screen don't represent the most of Tibetans!

Sun, Zhuhai, PRC

Chinese government is trying its best for running a peaceful and successful Olympic Games, which should be supported by all the other countries, especially developed countries like UK.

But the fact is UK media keeps saying bad things about China,really annoying Chinese people.As the foreign students in UK, my friends and I feel sick about these untrue reports about Tibet issues.We are very disappointed about the the media here.

If you are supporting these so called "Free Tibet demonstrations", you are actually encouraging anti-society activities and terrorism.

X.Z, China,

We love our country!

zhou xuejiang, wuxi, China

if Tibet is a country ,so Northern Ireland should be a independent country.!!
England had so many colonies in the history, don't you think these countries want to be English's colonies?
Please look at own problem!!

binruo, Mainz, Germany

obviously the americans trying to utilise the divide and conquer strategy

David, weymouth, dorset

Can you belleve some of the coments on here? the Tibetans have done this, they are terrorist,Dalai Lama is no boy scout, this was a very well organised plot. How come the great firewall does not stop these comments coming through from china. The Chinese goverment (self interest west serving gangsters) acting like kindergarden kids "oh look world we are victims of deadly organised terrorist attack" even though we have such a large secret defence budget we are victims and were attacked by men with sticks. So people say the chinese are victims, what about history people what about the millions killed the culture destroyed. let the torch pass this torch serves no sport or human spirit but only commercial corporate Global elitist Zeitgeist , the world loves Made in china. People will suffer and yet the world loves buying happy meals with a free kids toy.Yet the human mind will be released as history dictates a few love the power game but always fall. The mind is everything.

ricky , bham, uk

Tom zhou, of Qingdao, China, says he loves his country. He should therefore be the first to understand that the Tibetans love THEIR country too, and don't want to be a Chinese colony.
As for the proposed enormous and no-doubt expensive UK security operation to "protect the Olympic torch", don't the police have more pressing concerns? ...Like protecting free speech?

Brian Clacey, Croydon, UK

What is humanity? Have you think about the conception before you blame our China' internal affairs? Humanity is not empty words. To be humanity ,you can't take innocent people's life as cost. It is 2008, it should be a peaceful year for the whole world. Why did the riots make their terrible violence in such a peaceful and wonderful year? Are they real protesters or just those attempt to conceal their evil intention? Where are the riots' humanity? Did they take their humanity into account when they did burning,robbery,or even attack or burn and kil innocent people besides women or children?I love my country! We are family! We are united and developing fast. I believe all the people who could see the world objectly could see the truth of Tibet problem. Every country has its internal affairs. For years ,we live a harmous and a peaceful life ! Tibet,as well as all the other provinces, is one indivisible part of China,and the truth is unchangble.!China,our family, indivisible for ever!

helen, LN, China

It has been argued by some people that the policy of partition always led to Civil War. It certainly did in India and Cyprus and Palestine and Ireland. This was no bad thing for Britain. It kept them busy and instead of fighting us they fought each other. (Yes, Prime Minister)

Kerr, London,

I'm seriously worried about it !

HuXiaofan, Beijing, People's Republic of China

A lot of comments these days from Chinese saying that if you're ignorant of the situation then you should shut up about it, especially as Tibetans seem to have been guilty of some quite unpleasant behaviour. Fair enough......except that neither reporters nor foreigners are allowed anywhere near the action. If the truth is on your side, Chinese ladies and gents, then let us take a look and see it for ourselves!

James, Monteria, Colombia

They r terrorists!!! Absoluly!!!!
why blame China? No! Forget it. It's high time to shut up! It's UK and the world sovereign right to do whatever they think good for them. But don't tell us what is good for China. Thank you very much.
If the Prime Minister Brown want to meet DaiLai Lama , our Chinese will support Northern Ireland.
At last,Tibet is the things by Chinese,it is better for the world to shut up and keep quiet.

Kai Sun, TSING DAO, PEOPLE's Republic of China

I am now working in Beijing. I am for peach and for the Olympics spirit. Isn't it reprehensive that some protestors take advantage of such a global significant event. Stop saying they are for freedom peace, Olympics it self represents peace agreed by global people .No bloodshed anymore, please.

Jessica, Beijing, China

Wake up people. The Dalai Lama and his followers are no boy scounts. They started the violence and got exactly what they deserved and I wish the government could be even tougher on those thugs. If a Han Chinese did the same thing, I am sure they would face a harsher treatment.

Tibet is not Kosovo, China is not Yogoslavia. For those who dream you can split China the same way you did to Yugoslavia, you will be disappointed. Just ask any average Chinese people in the street, an independent Tibet is a non starter.

Dalai Lama claims he wants only an autonomous Tibet, but what does he mean by autonomous? Take away 1/4 of China's land, kick out all Han Chinese people? Is that democracy? Let him stay in India.

paul, Shanghai, People's Republic of China

Not even during Apartheid in South Africa have the media and the oppressed people been intimidated as the people of Tibet have by the Chinese government. BOYCOTT THE OLYMPICS!!!
Let use the same pressure we put on the Apartheid regime to help the people of Tibet.
Sanctions in South Africa worked...........let China feel it as well. Let's ask questions from the sponsors like VISA.
Bless the Dalai Lama.

Sipho from South Africa

Sipho Dhlamini, Johannesburg,

So what, If some Chinese are killed in these protests! They have come to Tibet to take over the Tibetan economy for the incentives that they are getting from the Communist regime and thus a part of the occupation. Plus why cry when some chinese lost their lives in the protest, Chinese killed 1.2 million Tibetans. What do you say about that? They destroyed more than 6000 Tibetan Monasteries. What do you say about that? Is the lives of these few Chinese who are a part of the Occupation important and not of the more than 1.2 million Tibetan who lost their lives directly under the Chinese occupation.

Lou zou, NY,

Isn't it interesting how the Chinese commentators think the Tibetans are terrorists and everyone else thinks they are freedom fighters. The Chinese need to grow up and realise that you can't invade a country and repress its inhabitants without some kind of reaction.

John Small, Faversham, UK

I am chinese, I love my country. Olympic Games not only belong Chinese people ,but also more belong the people of the World . Chinese people loves peace, I wish Beijing Olympic Games are succeed.

Tom zhou, Qingdao, China

Why give in to China. It is not the British Governments fault if the torch is hijacked and to the best of my knowledge we are allowed free speach i the UK. Who cares if the torch is not allowed into China. The olympics is about the world coming together, not countries threatening each other!

rob, london,

The world has forgotten that in 1950 China brutally invaded peaceful Tibet and has systematiclly proceded to permanently destroy Tibetan culture beginning with the destruction of 1000 monastaries. Then a railroad was build to create a Chinese migration of Chinese culture while jailing and torturing innocent Tibetans. The US should not be doing trade with China and China is not a worthy stage of something as noble and peaceful as the Olympics. The Tibetan protesters are venting frustration from oppressive powerlessness in a very timelt manner.

Herb Cohen, Syosset, USA / NY

V.Doty, Columbia, SC USA: Tell me how they are using the torch run as a political tool. Shouldn't torch run be safe and successful by any measure? It is clear that Chinese government simply wants to disconnect the Olympics with political issues, whereas people like you are trying extremly hard to make the Olympics a political weapon against Chinese government and China as a country.

Wesley, London,

Some guys' comments here are so 'funny'.

Dohn, hanzhou,

China is a huge man, however, Dalai Lama group is just an ant, please ask how a homeless ant fight a strong man.

Politics is politics, Sport is sport, they are two different things

Kou Erjie, Henan, PRC

I think this story is disgusting. Never mind about the protesters being shot at in Beiging... just as long as the torch is safe.

Gina Williams, Wellington, New Zealand

*In case the irony was lost in my previous comment - I think that in order to celebrate humanity (the very basis of the Olympics) we need to address the China-Tibet issue before more people are hurt. The safeness of the torch should not be the primary concern here.

Gina Williams, Wellington, New Zealand

They r terrorists!!!
have u seen what they did in Tibet? Killing innocent people，Setting fire everywhere!! Darkest day ever in tibet!
Far from demonstration!

MA JIA, peiking, PEOPLE's Republic of China

Funny how some Free Tibet members or supporters have never been to either China or Tibet themselves.
As far as I concerned, tens of thousands Chinese in Britain are furious because of the terriorism in Tibet led by Tibetan extrmists. They kept silence up to now as they just simply don't want to ruin the order of the society.
Sadly in this world, quite often the brutal ones get more attention.

Eva, London,

Funny how some people can support/against things that they have barely any knowledge about. Clearly most of the Free Tibet supporters have never been to either China or Tibet themselves, never spoken to any ordinary Tibetan or Chinese apart from extrimists.
As far as I concerned tens of thousands of Chinese in Britain are furious about the terriorism attack led by Tibetan extrimists. They kept silence up to now simply because they don't want to ruin the social order.
Sadly in this world, quite often than not the brutal ones get more attention.

Eva, London,

Neil Fergus, chief executive of Intelligent Risks, an Australian company that is advising Beijing, said: “......It worries me that in three to four years the (torch) relay will be discontinued because of this nonsense.”

So it’s "Nonsense" to stand up against a totalitarian state and protest on behalf of those less lucky than we are?

Mr Fergus is lucky to have been born in a free country and therefore able to make comments like this.

His time would be better spent promoting a relay torch for Human Rights and Free Speech rather than trying to safeguard a country with a very poor record on these issues! I am sure they are well able to take care of themselves.

He would do well to remember the words of Martin Niemoller (1892-1984) -

"Then they came for me -
And there was no one left to speak for me."

Babs Strickland, Bedford, UK

The torch relay in London should be scrapped immediately. China is a dictatorship with no human rights which imprisons and tortures anyone who criticises the regime. It has brutally occupied Tibet for almost sixty years and has no problem beating or shooting protestors with a righful demand for freedom. Any parading of the Beijing Olympic Torch here in London gives credibility to a nasty and vicious regime . Scrap the torch relay now.

Paul , London, UK

It is clear the Olympic Torch Committee "security adivsor to Bejing" is the one using the torch run as a political tool. Holding the 2012 torch run hostage to ensure that those living in the land of freedom are muzzled by the same strong arm tactics, although they can't impose the penalty of death on these protestors, that is being used in Tibet and all of China.

V.Doty, Columbia, SC USA

failure comes to terrorists.

Caodacheng, kunming, Yunnan,China