Event Summary:
 

CIC FUNDING: TORONTO BRANCH EVENT
Report on “Beijing Olympics: Going for Fool’s Gold?” Event

The Canadian International Council provided the Toronto Branch of the CIC funding to enable a two-person expert panel discussion on the possible implications China may face following the Olympics.

The two expert panellists for the event were:
• Professor Bernie Frolic, Professor Emeritus at York University, and Senior Fellow at the Munk Centre, University of Toronto.
• Sarah Kutulakos, Executive Director at the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC).

Beijing Olympics: Going for Fool’s Gold?
Toronto Branch Event, May 22nd, 2008
 
Summary by
Anne-Marie Bissada
 
The event was introduced by the Programming Chair of the Toronto Branch, Jo-Ann Davis.

Professor Bernie Frolic, Professor emeritus, opened up the event by outlining his presentation through a more general commentary about where he sees China heading to given the implication of the Olympics. He began by stating that this must be the most exciting year for China. Many people are watching China closely as its economy continues to bloom, as its trade with Taiwan increases and their relations seem to be peaceful and as it has encountered problems, throughout the Olympic torch relay, concerning the issue of Tibet.

Professor Frolic began his discussion by focusing on the implications of the Olympics in Beijing and how this event has come to change China. From his own students who are directly involved in working with the Olympic committee in China, he asserts that unlike previous Olympic events, the Chinese one is well on track; there have been no delays or problems in the completion of the Olympic infrastructure. The Chinese have come to view the Olympics as a means to prove themselves to the world, against the West. Beijing in particular has undergone a great makeover, through efforts on both the Chinese people and the Olympic committee to spruce it up, renovate the airport and the subway system. In essence, all efforts are being made to maximize the potential of Beijing for the Olympics.

Despite all these efforts to clean up the city and to even teach the Chinese how to deal with the oncoming rush of foreigners, there are still two problems: Water and Security. Water has been provided for landscaping and such, but it has been drained from nearby farmlands. As for security, many Chinese are concerned with the potential for security threats coming from West china, Tibetans, the Falun Gong and the Western media. However, regardless of these issues, the Chinese are definitely thrilled about the chance to showcase what they can do before an international audience.

Frolic then moved onto the issue of Darfur. China has made some attempt to help, ensuring a military, albeit small, presence is there. In short, China has maintained a ‘lukewarm’ policy in Darfur; they do not want to interfere, but they want their efforts of helping to be acknowledged. Nevertheless, the issue of Darfur has been eclipsed by the Olympics and the recent Earthquake.

The recent earthquake in China washed away any nagging issues that it had been dealing with up until then. The Torch relay aroused the world-wide pro-Tibet supporters whose attempts at sabotaging the relay was met by pro-china supporters from the numerous Chinese communities outside of china. The earthquake took the spotlight off Tibet and China relations and focused it on China’s efficiency in dealing with the catastrophic earthquake. Frolic asserts that the earthquake in essence ‘humanized’ China. With the Chinese allowing foreign media coverage of the earthquake, people world-wide got a glimpse into the efficiency and compassion that had led its recovery and aid of the earthquake victims. Even the President was seen helping his people; a great image to demonstrate that the People’s Party is still there for the people.

Professor Frolic then discussed the political situation in China. Though it is not a democracy, but more of an authoritarian political system; there has been slow progress to change. The progress is slow because there is no other alternative at the moment. Frolic sees that the party at the top levels is indeed very legitimate. These are the people that are highly educated, very professional and very organized. However at the lower levels and at the judicial level, there is still much room for improvement.

Although political change is slow-going, Frolic notes that the civil society is growing, especially at the grassroots level which are dealing more with housing issues. In fact, at present, there are about 75 million blogs in China; proof that civil society is finding ways to voice its opinion in the face of political obstacles. These efforts are indeed impressive and Frolic feels that there are more changes going on at this level than we realise. A good example of this change has been the efforts made by the people of Shanghai to protest the building of a train going through its city. To avoid any illegal action by protesting, the people simply organized themselves to walk through the streets, en masse, as a ‘quiet’ protest.

The final topic that Professor Bernie spoke about was Canadian/Chinese relations. At present, they are at a low point now; possibly the lowest since 1977. Our current government seems unable to create a suitable Chinese policy. Instead, its focus remains on human rights issues within China. Frolic notes that there is always a way to proclaim our belief in human rights; however in a way that still affords room to maintain a connection with China.

Sarah Kutulakos then began her opening remarks by stating that any discussion of China in the media that has no context, can be dangerous. Especially if sweeping generalisations are then concluded. She then began to explain that China is increasingly becoming important as our world continues to become more global. People are now taking a greater interest in China through learning Chinese, investing in real estate in China and generally realising the strong and important role China has carved out for itself in the world.

Ms. Kutulakos then began to explain the role of the CCBC, where she is the current Executive Director. For over 30 years, the CCBC has been helping business between China and Canada. They help facilitate trade between the two countries and essentially act as a trade catalyst. The CCBC has helped over the years to shape Canada’s view of trade with China.

Kutulakos then began to explain her views on the upcoming Olympics. She asserts that “for China to host the Olympics is an act of courage.” For a country that has received much help from the UN development program, an opportunity to host such an important event can only work to the advantage of China. The problem with China now being under the international spotlight is the scrutiny it has received concerning its political and human rights. Here, she reminds us that context is important. China will never be a ‘western democracy’. It is important for the west not to impose its own views of democracy and human rights upon China. What we should not forget is that China has only shown a willingness to reform during the past 30 years. It is has opened up itself to the world and has thus shed its ‘mysterious’ character. What is important is that China is now seen as an economy of the future. The Olympics has allowed China to showcase this point to the world.

Why would China then choose to host such an important event? Besides it being the greatest to opportunity to demonstrate its strengths to the world, it is also a way for China to jumpstart its development. From previous Olympic events, such as in Athens, we can see how the Olympics can help undergo enormous infrastructural changes, such as in Athens and now in Beijing. As noted earlier, the Chinese have gone through great lengths to ensure their Olympic venues and infrastructure are completed well in advance; an element which really demonstrates China’s efficiency, strength and organization. The Chinese government has been deeply committed to the Olympics as the ‘coming out party’ for China. Even the common Chinese person is noted as feeling great pride in their country.

She asserts that it is a mistake to see anything in black and white where China is concerned. The CCBC is not blind to the problems of China; in fact they have their own people out on the street in China who attest to the rampant problems still in circulation. However, the government has initiated reforms to open up the country to the world. Now that this process has started, it will be very difficult for it stop. China is making efforts to learn from its mistakes and to build upon it. For example, it learned from the mistakes made during the Olympic Torch relay, so that following the earthquake, it opened up itself to foreign media; an action which has garnered it points in media relations. What one must not forget is that each country world-wide is plagued by its own problems, however China too is learning to deal with its own problems.

The question and answer period generated many questions which further demonstrated our panellists expertise on this topic, including the issue of alternative housing in China and its negative impact on the people, how this current reform can be sustained and generally how will the Olympics make a lasting impact in Chinese policy.

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