And foreign disgust with Chinese actions from internal issues to their support of thug states is getting the Chinese upset:
Protests plaguing the global Olympic torch relay, along with mounting criticism of China's handling of domestic unrest by Tibetans, have embittered many Chinese. As foreign leaders discuss whether to boycott the Olympics' opening ceremonies on Aug. 8, Chinese Internet sites are replete with their own mounting calls for boycotts of foreign goods, souring the mood as the nation prepares to host its biggest international event ever.
A mood of angry nationalism has spurred government officials to lash out at foreign critics, trying to stay ahead of public resentment — even fury — that foreigners may spoil the Summer Olympics party with what some see as unwarranted criticism.
Several foreign journalists, including correspondents for USA Today and The Times of London, say they've received death threats.
Fascintating. So we're to celebrate their rise or else? Love and respect us or we'll kill you? That's China's message?
Hey, I'm actually a little jealous. We'd be hip deep in "why do they hate us" BS in similar circumstances. I'd like it if our people had a little more of the Chinese attitude toward foreign criticism. Of course, we're a free country and a force for good in the world while China is a communist party dictatorship and a friend of rogues around the globe. Yet we are defensive and they are offensive. Amazing.
But while it is at least understandable that the Chinese would want to insist we pay proper honor to the middle kingdom, why would our reporters go along with this nonsense?
This author says that it will be our fault if China becomes hostile:
If all politics is local, the Olympic torch relay should be a triumph for the Chinese government. After all, there is nothing more certain to get Chinese backs up than the kind of protests against the flame’s passage through London, Paris and San Francisco in recent days.
We can't point out they are run by evil SOBs or they will act like evil SOBs?
And this guy:
Nationalism is more often aroused by setbacks than success, so the Tibet problems and the possible threats to a triumphal Olympics are stirring it in China.
On the horizon is the possibility that these will combine with high inflation, stagnating exports and trade tensions with the United States to create a perfect nationalistic storm. ...
Tibetans have a strong case against Beijing. But mixing it in with the Olympics and Darfur is a red rag to a wounded young bull.
So we have to ignore their outrages because it might anger them?
We just need to tell the truth about that horrible regime in Peking. If they can't handle it, that is their problem and not ours. And keeping silent won't make Peking one bit less horrible. Indeed, it would probably just encourage them to keep going the way they are.
We have no obligation to go along with the triumphal pageant that the cynical killers in Peking want to pull off to bolster their communist party dictatorship.
UPDATE: The Western surrender reflex is a wonder to behold:
Protests and confrontations along the torch route may even incite Chinese xenophobia and nationalism and result in decisions to retreat from its increased openness to and engagement with the West.
"Increased openness to and engagement with the West" is not what China is doing. They are making money selling to us and they are doing this in part by stealing from us by violating patents and copyrights and by using the Internet while filtering out anything they don't like with their Great Firewall. This is called exploiting us not being open or engaging us.
Two decades ago, Chinese people stood in Tiananmen Square to rally for liberty and freedom--and were gunned down in the thousands for their thoughts. I don't believe that the Chinese must be xenophobic and nationalistic. But if we refuse to recognize their government for the thug regime it is that stokes xenophobia and nationalism to maintain support, why would any Chinese people stand up again and risk the wrath of the ruthless men who run China?
