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China Sports History - 2008 Olympics
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Introduction
The Olympics is an annual worldwide sporting event with significant international, social, and financial consequences. The Olympics is the world's biggest international multisport event in which countries can demonstrate their athletic abilities and heritage as well as their national identification. The contribution of China to the Olympics is also very crucial, especially evidenced by the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Soft power, the Olympics in Beijing were one of the most defining moments for China after all. Despite criticisms of China’s state sports system and human rights problems, this event gave China an opportunity to show that it has evolved from “a country with many Olympic champions to a full blown total sports power”. Preceding the 2008 Olympic Games were controversies surrounding China, like the concerns over pollution issues that received international attention, as well as the protests on human rights and Tibet
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. The government censored available information. Nevertheless, hosting the games successfully enabled China to stage its image as a modern and potent country in the international sphere. While China has great achievements in the Winter Olympics, it is not only a Summer Games Country.
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. The desire of the country to be strong in the Winter Olympics is expressed through the
development of new Olympic sports – short track, aerials, snowboarding, and curling. China’s priority in short-track speed skating has also contributed to its superiority at the Winter Games and shows its multi-dimensional prowess. China’s intention to become an overall powerful sports
contender and a real sports superpower is strongly emphasized by its expansion into the Winter Olympics. China’s participation in both the Summer and Winter Olympics demonstrates its efforts by the country to utilize sports as a soft power toward gaining global influence.
China's involvement in the 2008 Olympics
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Ibrahim, Abdulhamid. “With Many Great Moments Came Much Controversy, Drama at Beijing Games.” CBC
, February 20, 2022.
2
Ibrahim, Abdulhamid. “With Many Great Moments Came Much Controversy, Drama at Beijing Games.” CBC
, February 20, 2022.
3
The 2008 Beijing Olympics raised soft power as well as China's international image. Despite criticism of China's state sports system and human rights record, the Beijing Olympics provided China with an opportunity to demonstrate that it is more than a "gold medal power." The Olympics were also a chance for China to promote its relations with developing countries and the rest of the world, apart from Asia
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. The 2008 Olympic Games were plagued with various questions that were quite controversial, such as the international issues concerning the degree of pollution in China, protests due to China's human rights and Tibetan politics, and criticism with regard to the policies implemented by the Beijing government the games helped modernize China in terms of influence.
China’s success in hosting the 2008 Olympics came as a result of a seven-year rigorous process aimed at conforming to the stringent criteria set by the International Olympic Committee
for the games. The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) relied upon previous research on the Olympic Games in creating an infrastructure that
could support such a massive sporting event.
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. The Beijing Olympics demonstrated that China had become a great nation in economy and politics, and its leadership, along with the majority of
Chinese people, saw it as a manifest of their coming-of-age as the world's big player. The Beijing
Olympics were also crucial for China's relations with the developing world because China invited the leaders and the dignitaries of the developing world either to the opening ceremony or the closing ceremony. Since it is the first developing country to organize the Olympics successfully, China secured a permanent international reputation and credibility, especially both in Asia and the rest of the developing countries. The Beijing Olympics influenced China's soft 3
Greenstone, Michael, Guojun He, and Ken Lee. “The 2008 Olympics to the 2022 Olympics: China’s Fight to Win Its War against Pollution.” EPIC, February 2, 2022.
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Greenstone, Michael, Guojun He, and Ken Lee. “The 2008 Olympics to the 2022 Olympics: China’s Fight to Win Its War against Pollution.” EPIC, February 2, 2022.
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power, as it allowed the country to demonstrate its economic and political progress and emphasize its image as an up-to-date, powerful state in the global arena.
Although the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 were not spared controversies, China has gained global attention on the question of pollution, anti-human rights, Tibet, plus accusations against the PRC on the control of information. The Chinese should view these controversies as having threatened the success of the games and China's unity, image, and Olympic dream
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. However, China proved that they were in charge and ready to host the Olympics, successfully showing themselves to be the newest sports superpower in the world arena. The sports power is also apparent. The success with which China hosted and made very memorable Beijing Olympic Games left indelible impressions on what could be referred to as China's soft power and international reputation image.
China's Influence on Judging Panels in Figure Skating: 2008 Olympics
The controversy involving the judging of figure skating at the Beijing 2008 Olympics questioned the political influence involved in the judging process and its effects on perceptions of global fair play and sportsmanship. In the 2008 Olympics, figure skating judging was questioned, leading to claims of bias in judging certain individuals. The scandalous issue of biased judging was not unprecedented in figure skating, even during the Cold War era. Several occurrences since the 2002 Olympic Skate Gate scandal have led to the view that judges can easily manipulate figure skating.
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. The political implications in the scrutinizing of figure skating judging in the 2008 Olympics brought to doubt the authenticity of the judging procedure. The subjective scoring involved in figure skating competitions and the political implications surrounding international sport add fuel to the fire that the judging panel was somehow 5
Greenstone, Michael, Guojun He, and Ken Lee. “The 2008 Olympics to the 2022 Olympics: China’s Fight to Win Its War against Pollution.” EPIC, February 2, 2022.
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CNN, Kikue Higuchi. “Figure Skating Controversies: 1902-2022.” CNN, February 19, 2022.
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politically biased in their verdict. Furthermore, this controversy not only affected the figure skating competition at the 2008 Olympics directly but also cast doubts on the fairness and sportsmanship of the broader Games themselves.
China's ambition to portray itself as a complete "sports power" made political pressures during the 2008 Olympic Games more intense. China, as the host country, would have wanted a great, successful, and prestigious Olympics that could have played some role in the decision-
making of the judging panel. Such intentions to enhance the image of China, a rising sports force, however, may have caused some indirect pressure on the judicial process, including political considerations. There were also concerns about the integrity of the adjudication process,
which was seen as being unfair and partial towards China's state sports system with its emphasis on producing gold medals.
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. The biased judging scandal in figure skating revealed how difficult it is to guarantee impartiality in subjective sports and showed how powerful politicians can threaten the Olympic ideal as well. This controversy was significant for the perception of the integrity of international figure skating. This emphasized the importance of rigorous oversight and transparency in the scoring process of Olympic sports.
This controversy was further compounded by subsequent incidents involving Chinese figure skating judges. Chinese figure skating judge Huang Feng was suspended for one year due to the marked bias in a pair's figure skating during the Pyeongchang Olympics (2018)
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. Another issue of the same nature was that the suspension also raised concerns about the independence of figure skating judging and its exposure to national bias. Recurring cases of biased judging by Chinese judges suggest systemic problems in the skating judge community regarding the neutrality and independence of the judges. These have put a dent in the skating court's image and
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CNN, Kikue Higuchi. “Figure Skating Controversies: 1902-2022.” CNN, February 19, 2022.
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CNN, Kikue Higuchi. “Figure Skating Controversies: 1902-2022.” CNN, February 19, 2022.
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further fueled the assumptions about the effects of international politics upon judgments—as seen from China's push for leadership on the world sports stage. As a result, these events have etched indelible marks on the ideas of justice and fair play in figure skating worldwide. It raised questions about the integrity and world reputation of ice skating.
Controversies and subsequent incidents involving Chinese figure skating judges have left lasting impressions across many regions of the world with respect to fair play in figure skating. The reoccurrence of biased judging incidents, as well as the politicization of the judging process,
have undermined the perceived integrity and fairness of judging in figure skating.
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. As a result, there has been an increased focus on the judging process and demands for greater openness about
judging in Olympic sports. However, these controversies do not only affect figure skating but also influence the general image of fair play in all international sporting events. As time progresses, it becomes more evident that there are comprehensive reforms to be addressed within
the figure skating judging community and political influences on the judges. However, these controversies have emphasized the need for justice and neutrality while judging international sports and called for a rethinking of their systems of honesty.
Global Politics and the 2008 Olympics in China
The Olympics in Beijing in 2008 had a profound effect on China's worldwide standing and reputation. Discussions regarding the Olympics' possible influence on Chinese politics began
well before the 2008 Beijing Games. Some analysts and academics predicted that China's political climate would improve as a result of hosting the Games, while others were more pessimistic. Both the controversy surrounding Beijing's selection as host city and the policy changes that followed the Games were the topic of much discussion and debate. This incident brought about hope for long-term transformation towards individual freedom and democracy that
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CNN, Kikue Higuchi. “Figure Skating Controversies: 1902-2022.” CNN, February 19, 2022.
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is yet to come across. The 2008 Beijing Olympics was a watershed in both cultural and political aspects, marking a new dawn of Chinese perception.
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. It was their coming of age, with the country rising to become one of the world's superpowers. The impact of this event was significant exposure, an increase in tourism, and a transformation of both local and foreign sentiments towards China for the reputational boost as well as legitimacy of the nation.
The hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games had a notable influence on China's public diplomacy, politics, the economy, and the environment. The Olympics served as an arena through
which China could demonstrate its capacity for organization, athleticism, nationalism and diplomacy. The Olympic Games, which was hosted successfully by China, is considered to be a landmark event that showed people worldwide that China was an emerging force to reckon with in international politics. The number of foreign heads of state and dignitaries invited from other developing countries to attend the Olympics in Beijing also contributed its part towards solidifying relations between China and the rest of the world
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. This act enhanced the prestige and credibility of China in developing countries, especially Asia. China saw the Olympics as a stepping stone to enhance its global visibility, promote its soft power message, and engage in international partnerships.
The country improved its worldwide image, and relations post the 2008 Olympics in China. To China, the event was priceless since it offered China a unique opportunity to interact with the rest of the world in view of China's development and changes as well. Despite controversy and problems leading up to the Games, the successful hosting of the Olympics enabled China to affirm its status as a modern and prominent nation on the world stage. Foreign and internal attitudes in China began to shift after the event, which was beneficial to the 10
Jia, Kun, Yizhen Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Feng Liu, and Jiayin Qi. “International Public Opinion Analysis of Four Olympic Games: From 2008 to 2022.” Journal of Safety Science and Resilience
, March 2022.
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Jia, Kun, Yizhen Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Feng Liu, and Jiayin Qi. “International Public Opinion Analysis of Four Olympic Games: From 2008 to 2022.” Journal of Safety Science and Resilience
, March 2022.
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country's economy, national pride, and worldwide respect. China's public diplomacy and attempts to increase its soft power and global prestige reached a major milestone with the Beijing
Olympics.
China's involvement in the 2020 Olympics
The political consequences of the 2020-2021 Olympics, which were supposed to take place in Tokyo in 2020 but were postponed because of the COVID-19 epidemic, were very significant for China. COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the 2020 Olympics, prompting the unusual move to postpone the event. Fears mounted whether the virus would be classified as a politically motivated one and cause the Olympics’ cancellation or postponement due to China being the origin of the pandemic. The Olympics’ postponement of the Olympics was a clear political message about the global challenges of an epidemic and the need for a joint effort. The postponement of the games signaled that the global impact of the pandemic on health was serious, and a concerted effort should be made to deal with public health crises
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. Delaying the Olympics was done mostly due to public health concerns. However, one should still remember the political consequences of this epidemic and their origin in China. The epidemic, as well as the delay of the games, underlined the importance of international cooperation over shared dangers.
There are allegations that political interference might have led to the game's cancellation or postponement due to China's involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic. All over the world, people questioned and discussed what was done by Chinese authorities to stop the infection from
spreading since it started in Wuhan, China. During the pandemic, it was also noted that politicians might influence the decision-making process due to the implications that it may have 12
Jia, Kun, Yizhen Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Feng Liu, and Jiayin Qi. “International Public Opinion Analysis of Four Olympic Games: From 2008 to 2022.” Journal of Safety Science and Resilience
, March 2022.
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on the 2020 Olympic Games
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. While concerns for public health and safety were the major motivation for delaying the Games, the wider political ramifications of the virus and its roots in China must be taken into account as well. The epidemic emphasized the intricacies of global politics and the limitations of handling transnational disasters. The necessity for international collaboration and coordination in responding to public health catastrophes was highlighted by the
decision to postpone the Olympics because of the epidemic. The epidemic and its effect on the 2020 Olympics demonstrated the interdependence of nations and the need to work together to address global problems.
The United States' conclusion that China is committing genocide in Xinjiang has further complicated the political environment around the 2020-2021 Olympics and created a unique moral dilemma for athletes and nations preparing for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Political complications have been added to the Olympics by allegations of genocide in Xinjiang and their prospective effects on the 2022 Beijing Games
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. Concerns have been expressed regarding the political ramifications of US athletes competing in the capital of a nation that is being accused of carrying out an ongoing genocide. Discussions concerning prospective boycotts
and the moral responsibilities of athletes and nations in dealing with the Chinese government have been sparked by allegations of genocide in Xinjiang. Political tensions surrounding allegations of genocide in Xinjiang have added another layer of complexity to the Olympic political scene and prompted discussions about the moral implications of taking part in the Games. Accusations of genocide in Xinjiang have introduced a new degree of complication to the Olympics by exposing the confluence between global politics and major sporting events, such as the 2022 Beijing Games.
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Jia, Kun, Yizhen Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Feng Liu, and Jiayin Qi. “International Public Opinion Analysis of Four Olympic Games: From 2008 to 2022.” Journal of Safety Science and Resilience
, March 2022.
14
Jia, Kun, Yizhen Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Feng Liu, and Jiayin Qi. “International Public Opinion Analysis of Four Olympic Games: From 2008 to 2022.” Journal of Safety Science and Resilience
, March 2022.
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The 2022 Winter Olympics: China's Role and Political Context
Introduction to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing
The XXIV Olympic Winter Games, often known as the 2022 Winter Olympics, took place in Beijing, China, and the neighboring regions from February 4–20, 2022. After winning the bid to host the Winter Olympics in 2022, Beijing became the first city to hold both the Summer and Winter Games. Building on the legacy of the historic Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,
the concept for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was "Joyful Rendezvous upon Pure Ice and Snow," with the goal of inspiring 300 million people across China to take up winter sports
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. Yanqing, Zhangjiakou, and downtown Beijing served as the three competition zones for the 109 events in seven Olympic winter sports. Beijing used the legacy venues from the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics to hold all four snow sports, including snowboarding big air and freestyle skiing big air, and all four ice events, including curling, ice hockey, and skating. The Alpine skiing and sliding competitions were held at Yanqing. This Beijing suburb took advantage of its proximity to the well-known Badaling and Juyongguan sections of the Great Wall. China's dedication to developing winter sports and using the 2022 Winter Olympics to improve its stature
and reputation internationally was on full display.
A further degree of complication was added to the 2022 Winter Olympics by the COVID-
19 limitations, diplomatic boycotts, and concerns over China's treatment of Uighurs. Chinese President Xi Jinping officially opened the Games in an opening ceremony that featured a lot of winter imagery and ice-blue tones. Nearly 3,000 competitors from 90 nations competed in a variety of winter sports during the event
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. The National Stadium in Beijing, popularly known as the Bird's Nest, hosted the opening ceremony for the competitions, which were held in 15
BBC NEWS. “Beijing Winter Olympics: Why Are They Controversial?” BBC News
, January 20, 2022, sec. Explainers.
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BBC NEWS. “Beijing Winter Olympics: Why Are They Controversial?” BBC News
, January 20, 2022, sec. Explainers.
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Zhangjiakou, Yanqing, and Beijing. China achieved a great deal by hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics, which demonstrated its capacity to organize a big international gathering and advance winter sports. The occasion also demonstrated China's proactive attempts to secure finance from the private sector and to provide tax benefits and other favorable policies in order to prevent hosting the Winter Olympics from becoming an expensive endeavor for the government. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics enhanced China's soft power and worldwide reputation by showcasing the nation's capacity to organize and conduct major international events in addition to its dedication to winter sports.
China's Role and Political Context in the Winter Olympics
The human rights record of China and its treatment of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang were political problems and worries that surrounded the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Many Tibetan demonstrators expressed their disapproval of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to allow China to host the games again, citing
the country's treatment of the Tibetan people as the reason. China's human rights record and its assault on freedoms in Hong Kong have been at the center of the debate surrounding the 2022 Winter Olympics for months. Questions concerning the possible influence of politics on the choice to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in China and the effects of COVID-19 were raised as a result of the controversy surrounding the 2022 Winter Olympics. The political conflicts surrounding the 2022 Winter Olympics emphasized the intricacies of global politics and the limitations of tackling transnational problems.
There were parallels drawn between the figure skating scandals of the 2008 Summer Olympics and the upcoming 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. The 2008 Olympics had a profound effect on worldwide views of justice and sportsmanship, sparking doubts about the possibility of
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political influences on the judging process
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. Biased judging and partiality toward some participants were alleged throughout the figure skating scandal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Worries that political influences might be behind the questionable integrity in figuring skating judging at the 2008 Olympics. There has been evidence of judging being extremely subjective in figure skating before as well, and political conflicts have been commonplace in international sports, leading to claims of political interference. The discussion of how judges fix figure skating at the same year Olympics shows a way that politics affects the issue. It stresses the importance of transparency and fairness at international sporting meets.
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing were a landmark for providing a platform for the Chinese to host a major international sports competition as well as encourage widespread participation in winter sports. Controversy notwithstanding, China proved that it can host mega games and that it is devoted to winter sports. China’s ability to organize and host international events was also highlighted by hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, which contributed to enhancing the country’s profile in international affairs
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. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, highlighted the significance of international collaboration and coordination in confronting global concerns. China reached a major milestone with the successful hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, demonstrating the country's growing status as a global "sports power" and its capacity to organize and execute massive international events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking part in different Olympic Games had great political effects and influences on China's foreign relations and image. The 2008 Beijing Olympics represented a critical turning point in Chinese soft power and international image with respect to China 17
Jazeera, Al. “Winter Olympics: What You Need to Know about Beijing 2022.” Al Jazeera
, February 4, 2022.
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Briefing, China. "2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games: How Is China Managing Hosting Costs?" China Briefing News. December 21, 2021.
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ascending into an all-encompassing "sports power" capable of hosting a successful and high-
class worldwide event. However, there were controversies around the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, including political issues and concern over human rights abuses in China, especially against Muslims in Xinjiang. The controversies of the Olympics pointed to the complications of world politics and the problems of handling trans-local issues. International sports competitions demand transparency, fairness and cooperation, as can be seen in the intertwining of global politics and sports regarding China. The consequence of these incidents in future Olympic Games, as well as Chinese international prestige, is yet to be determined. However, they remain an illustration of the need for balance between sports and politics on the global scene.
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