OPINION> Commentary
Games a new start for China
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-09 07:26

China can host a high-level Olympic Games successfully even after the devastating earthquake that jolted southwestern Sichuan province and neighboring regions on May 12, says an article in People's Daily. The following is an excerpt:

The massive disaster was a major test for China and the country passed it splendidly.

The quake will not batter the determination of 1.3 billion people to host a successful Olympics, nor will it fail the expectation of the Chinese nation to realize the century-old dream.

The Beijing Olympics will be a brand new start for the Chinese nation and the 1.3 billion Chinese people are opening their arms to welcome all the friends of the world to come.

The Games will enable China and the rest of the world to enhance mutual understanding, seek common ground and promote cooperation.

The questions, misunderstandings and rejections that the nation may face along the road will not hamper its sincere intention to communicate with the world.

China's joining the Olympic family is closely connected with the process of its reform and opening up, its rapid development and modernization, and its pursuit of a higher-level civilization and contribution to the world peace.

We will give warm applauses to all the players participating in the Games as it is more important to participate in the Olympics than to win and we will safeguard fairness and justice during the Games, sharing the honor of the Olympic spirit with the world.

The 100,000 volunteers, 400,000 city volunteers and 1 million social volunteers will provide good services to guests from all over the world, getting joy and friendship through contributions to the Games.

Beijing has been making a final push for a successful Olympics in order to satisfy the international community, the players and the people.

(China Daily 07/09/2008 page8)