China Prepares for Olympics

Forum Introduction

		With just days to go to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, China is pushing to clean up air pollution in Beijing and show its political tolerance by allowing protest zones around the city. Scott Tong, who is based in Shanghai, took your questions about the country's preparations for the games.

When factories are closed, what compensation do employees receive?

To what degree are the Olympics improving the business climate for U.S. businesses in China?

Do they have the area secured for all those people who plan to attend the games?

How are they doing about the extreme air pollution?

Do you have any advice for journalists working in Shanghai?


	Jerry R. from Whitefish Bay, Wis., asks:

	Do they have the area secured for all those people who plan to attend the games?

Scott Tong replies:

They're trying to. Security at the venues is extremely high; in fact rocket-launchers sit right next to the Bird's Nest national stadium. Armed police/soldiers are now turning up around the city, something I don't often see. Uniformed officers check the plates of every vehicle entering Beijing. Large trucks are banned from the city center during the games. And -- this obviously is something much debated and criticized -- ethnic minorities who officials suspect may stir up dissent during the games say they've been kicked out of Beijing, been told to leave, or had visas denied.

Will all this work? Your guess is as good as mine.

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