Olympic Updates

Chinese citizens are voicing outrage over international debate linking recent protests in Tibet to their prized Beijing 2008 Olympics, accusing outsiders of trying to spoil their country's landmark event.

Foreign media have distorted incidents in Tibetan regions of China and mistakenly associated those with Beijing's right or ability to hold an international sporting event this summer, citizens are complaining privately and online.

The situation in Tibet has also become a lightning rod for criticism of China's Communist government ahead of the Beijing Olympics, marring the country's desire to use the Games to showcase progress in the world's fourth-largest economy.

Leaders in France, Taiwan and elsewhere have murmured about a boycott of China's first Games because of Tibet, following similar concern from foreign-based human rights groups. The government-in-exile estimated 140 deaths in the violence. (source)