(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
"Finally!" most people here in Beijing will say on Friday. For residents of the capital have longed for August 8, 2008 and the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which symbolically starts at 20.08 to make the most of the Chinese lucky number 8. Li Congshang has been waiting for the Olympics, which ends on August 24, ever since Olympic President Juan Antonio Samaranch in Moscow on July 13, 2001 announced that the Middle Kingdom would host this year's sports games. He, like most people you talk to in Beijing, is convinced that the Olympics will be a turning point.
– I hope for major political reforms after the Olympics, says Li.
Others I meet think China will become more significant and gain recognition from the outside world. Guo Fei, a 23-year-old teacher and volunteer during the Olympics, hopes the world will see China as an open country. The same is said by the old table tennis legend Zhang Xielin. He was a player during the "ping-pong diplomacy" in the early 70's – the series of friendly matches that began China's opening to the rest of the world. Zhang does not think the number of Chinese gold medals in Beijing is that important.
– The most important thing is that foreigners come here and see what progress has been made, how the city has been built up. They think it is so unfree in China, says Zhang.
Chinese examples
When I ask what hopes one has for the Olympics, there are very few who answer sports. For the Chinese, the Beijing Olympics mean so much more. Since 2001, Beijing has spent close to NOK 40 billion on renovating the city. Beijing has got the world's largest airport and several green areas. Huge prestige buildings have sprung up; like the egg-shaped opera at Heavenly Peace Square, the TV house that looks like a pair of giant pants. 67 modern taxis are ready to drive visitors, six new metro lines have been opened – and many more are waiting.
The swimming arena is most acclaimed, architecturally. It is built in a transparent material, and at night it glows like a blue cube of water. While the other prestigious buildings were designed by foreign architects, this water cube has a Chinese chief designer. His name is Zhao Xiaojun, and he is 42 years old. Zhao represents what China the regime wants the Olympics to symbolize: Young, highly educated – and ready to compete with the best in the world. Although China still has a long way to go, it looks like the country is on track to overtake the United States as a leading superpower. China has several modern multinational companies underway that will be able to outcompete anyone within a few years, and they are equipping the military. If they can win more gold than the United States at home, it will be the ultimate proof that China's time has come.
In the weeks before the Olympics, Western media have been filled with critical articles about human rights in China, and the environmental problems in Beijing. But for people in Beijing, the criticism may seem unfair: The air has actually improved in recent years, and the political system is used to it. It is what you are born and raised in, and not something you are horrified by. Since the Beijing Olympics, many have seen their own living standards grow at almost the same pace as the city has changed its appearance: bicycles have been replaced by cars. Fan with air conditioning. The Chinese think they are on the right track.
Polite policemen
In European media, there has been a lot of talk about the tough security checks in Beijing. Tens of thousands of security cameras are linked to centralized surveillance systems That a high-tech police state should become the most enduring legacy after the Olympics raises concerns. But not much is written about how polite the security personnel are. They apologize and thank you so much for the cooperation every time they search a bag. Likewise, China must be the only country that encourages border police evaluation. Pressure smiling man for good service, and angry man for bad. It is a symbol of China's policy in recent years of more openness to the outside world.
For many seniors, who remember how poor and isolated China was in the past, the Olympics give cause for pride. A poll by the opinion poll Pew found that 96 per cent believe the Olympics will be a success. Among 3212 mainland Chinese, 79 percent say that toys have personal meaning for them.
While the city is gearing up for a party, one cannot deny that it feels a bit empty in Beijing's streets at the moment. Street traders, beggars and most foreign workers have been forced to leave the city. At the same time, many foreigners have had to go after the authorities tightened the visa rules. Middle-class people complain about the constant traffic congestion, safety checks and the brainwashing bustle of the Olympics making life tiring.
– You look forward to the Olympics being over, so you can return to a normal life, says a Chinese journalist.
Others, such as Qu Yongxin, a 33-year-old government official, say he wants a secure and peaceful Olympics.
– Everyone is so nervous now.
He says with sincere pride that he hopes the rest of the world will come to China and see the country's culture – and how ordinary people are.
Translated from Swedish by Sara Høgestøl
