A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.
Olympics Supporters Face Banner Blackout
All banners and large flags have been banned from Beijing Olympic venues as the Chinese Government seeks to further restrict public free speech during next month's Games.
Despite Olympics, Beijing May Draw Fewer Foreigners in August
The city expects 400,000 to 450,000 foreign visitors in August, as compared with 420,000 a year ago, the deputy director of the Beijing Tourism Administration, Xiong Yumei, told reporters, according to Bloomberg News. The lack of any expected surge in foreign visitors is likely due to China's move in April to limit visas as part of an effort to ensure security at the Games.
Suits Cut From Cloth of Social Fabric
Beijing designer Wang Li is proud this summer's Chinese Olympic medalists accept their awards clad in outfits she designed. Wang's suits fuse the traditional Chinese colors of red and yellow with imagery of the national flag and the "auspicious clouds" that adorn the Olympic relay torch.
Travel Agencies: China Domestic Olympic Travel Falls Lower than Expectations
Less than one month from the Beijing Olympic Games, some of China's travel agencies said they had overestimated the number of domestic travelers for the sporting spectacular to the host city.
Bush Urged to Raise Prisoners’ Rights with China
Human rights activists sent a letter to U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday urging him to raise the cases of 23 political prisoners when he attends the Beijing Olympics next month.
Germany’s Schroeder to Attend Olympic Opening
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder plans to attend the opening of the Beijing Olympics next month, his office said Wednesday.
Olympic Checkpoints Cause Huge Jams Outside Beijing
The opening of Olympic security checkpoints on major roads leading into Beijing has caused long traffic jams and forced some drivers to sit in stationary vehicles for up to two hours. The checks are part of a growing list of security measures introduced in recent weeks, including the deployment of anti-aircraft missiles near the Olympic Green.
China Mobilises 2 Lakh (200,000) Cheerleaders for Olympics
China has mobilised some two lakh (200,000) cheerleaders in an effort to stir up the spirit of spectators and any national team that needs morale boosting at the upcoming Beijing Olympics. The volunteers have been drawn from the communities, companies, enterprises, high schools and universities to “promote a civilised way of watching the Games”, Shen said.
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