Following the Chinese government’s military tactics in Tibet, the United States government should boycott at least parts of the Beijing Olympics, similar to the country’s boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union. As mentioned by French President Nicholas Sarkozy,

“Our Chinese friends must understand the worldwide concern. I will adapt my response to the evolutions in the situation.”

- French President Nicholas Sarkozy

Other European nations have also entertained the idea of a boycott, including Germany.

The American government, however, has taken an opposite approach. President George W. Bush has resolved that America will in fact participate in the Chinese Olympics merely as “sports fans.”

The Importance of the Beijing Olympics

China’s booming economy has propelled the sleeping dragon into the national spotlight, highlighted by the Beijing Olympics. The world sporting event has been prized as the country’s “coming-out party,” a force to be recognized in the global scene. With tens of millions of dollars being spent on new infrastructure, the Chinese government realizes the importance of the Olympics.

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Coming August, China hopes to showcase its progressive government and economic advancement, while hiding its human rights violations. It is no coincidence that the Tibetan monks held their protests just recently on the eve of the Olympics. With the world awaiting the start of the ceremonies, the Tibetans know that now is their chance to tell their story to the world in hopes of an international response.

The Solution

Bush should either boycott the opening ceremonies of the Olympics or at least threaten the Chinese government. Physically boycotting the event will speak louder than Bush’s calls for human rights reform by showing his real commitment to the problem.

Critics would argue that the U.S. should not intervene in foreign affairs that do not directly affect America. However, human rights transcend political boundaries and must be advocated with all world leaders, including the U.S.

In the long-term future, China needs to fix its human rights violations first before it can become a democratic nation that the world hopes it will be.

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