EDITORIAL - Opening doors in Beijing

Some Beijing residents have expressed concern about losing their homes while human rights advocates are still wringing their hands in frustration. The source of their concern: Beijing’s success in its bid to host the Olympic Games in 2008. While the Chinese capital has been the front-runner in the race, its landslide win in the voting by members of the International Olympic Committee still surprised many. Beijing bested Toronto, which came in second, followed by Paris, Istanbul and Osaka.

Those against giving the unpre-cedented honor to China have pointed to its human rights record and its regime that can’t tolerate even the existence of a popular religious sect, the Falun Gong. But in the end the IOC, which yesterday replaced its controversial president Juan Antonio Samaranch, chose to open the arms of the international community to China.

The approach is not entirely radical. Washington has been pursuing a policy of constructive engagement with Beijing for years, balancing its criticisms of the harsh communist regime with the need to open China to the world. Those who supported Beijing’s bid for the 2008 Games have pointed out that holding the Olympics in 1988 in Seoul helped hasten democratic reforms in South Korea.

Reports said Beijing is expected to spend more than $31.6 billion for the construction and improvement of roads and green areas, the installation of modern public toilets and water treatment facilities, and upgrading of the mass transportation system. About $1.6 billion of the amount is expected to go to the construction of sports facilities alone. Beijing can expect a good return on its investment. Foreign businessmen, already attracted by China’s massive market, are expected to descend on Beijing in connection with the Olympic Games.

Hosting the Games is a major honor for a nation that’s carving its place in the community of nations. The honor, however, may come at a price for China’s communist regime, which is fighting a losing battle against the "corrupting" influences of the free world. In its historic vote, the IOC said it is opening doors to further change in China. The world is watching as Beijing prepares to fling its doors wide open for the 2008 Games.