This must be implemented in details. The number one bad habit we have is spitting in public. Some might say this is no serious matter, or it is too trivial. But it truly affects our image. Foreigners will see how uncivilized we are from how widespread the practice is. If we don't get rid of this habit, no matter how well-prepared we are for the Olympics, how clean we keep our streets, how colorful our balloons and flowers are, how well-stocked our shops are, how fluently we speak foreign languages, and how warmly we extend our welcome, as long as people see us spitting, the image of China will be harmed.

In many public places, we have signs that either plead or demand that people not spit. But some people are just oblivious. Even financial penalties do not work well. It is more difficult to eliminate this practice of Beijingers than renovate the old downtown.

The main reason is, Beijingers do not have the awareness and determination for it, and the city government does not have an effective approach to the problem.

Fundamentally, spitting should be eradicated not just because the Olympics is an international spectacle, and not only for the sake of foreigners, but because we need to improve perceptions of our people and our society.

(China Daily 03/10/2007 page2)