Beijing Still First In Race For 2008 Despite U.S. Opposition

Liu Jingmin, vice president of the Beijing 2008 bid committee, told AFP that United States lawmakers attempting to stop Beijing winning the 2008 Olympics because of the country's human rights record, are misguided. "They have their own agenda. Their argument is illogical", he said.

Liu said, "by allowing Beijing to host the Games you will help the development of human rights. It is much more important to stage it here than in other countries. China and the outside world need to integrate. China's opening up is ireversible. The Olympic Games is a good opportunity to promote understanding".

Meanwhile, senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) members are reportedly saying privately that every time a U.S. lawmaker hits out at Beijing, it's another vote for the Chinese capital. One senior European IOC member said, "American human rights' complaints are simply helping Beijing win in July. The IOC members do not like being told what to do by American politicians. Frankly, the only way Beijing can lose is if they shoot themselves in the foot".

And IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch has reportedly made it clear privately that he is again backing Beijing. Also there is huge appeal for IOC sponsors who want to get a foothold in the giant Chinese market.

According to reports, a North American businessman admitted that "the opportunities are enormous. There may not be many people who have the money at the moment, but when they do we want them to think our brand first of all. The potential gains are enormous".

Liu said, "there are lots of Americans who support us and we have lots of American sponsors". There are already some American companies officially sponsoring the bid, including Buick cars, built in Shanghai.

But Beijing is not easing up on promoting its bid at home. Sunday evening, more than 1,000 Chinese and Korean singers and dancers performed at the Millenium Monument in central Beijing. One of the sponsors was the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee.

"Koreana", the group that composed and performed the Olympic song Hand in Hand at the 1988 Olympics, was the star performer. As a show of support for Beijing's bid, the group performed an original composition called "Victory" to wish Beijing success in its bid.

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