Gathering of world leaders shows positive view of China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-07 21:59

BEIJING - The gathering of foreign heads of state and elites for the Beijing Olympics could be taken as a sign of positive world attitudes toward China's development, said Tsinghua University professor Hu Angang on Thursday.

When Beijing was chosen to host the Olympics seven years ago, "the world trusted China for its reform and opening-up policy," said Hu. "The Beijing Olympics opening ceremony will have a huge presence of foreign leaders and elites, which again shows that the international society has voted in favor of the direction of the country's development."

State leaders, top government officials and royal family members from more than 50 countries, including US President George W. Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, are to arrive in Beijing on Thursday.

The opening ceremony will see more than 80 such leaders, far more than the 2004 Athens Olympic Games or the Olympics in any other year.

In addition, athletes from 205 countries and regions and more than 20,000 Chinese and foreign journalists will be here for the Games.

The Chinese are well-prepared for these guests. Colorful flags fly on flower-decorated streets and more than one million volunteers greet visitors with smiles.

"Chinese people have become conscious of their behavior in front of billions who will be watching TV," said Hu. "They are trying to improve themselves and the environment to show that China welcomes foreigners and Chinese are good-mannered and trustworthy."

The Olympic slogan "One World, One Dream" could be seen all over the city.

When addressing media from 25 countries last week, President Hu Jintao said the slogan expressed our sincere wish, which was that Chinese people would like to join hands with people across the globe to create a better future under the influence of the Olympic spirit.

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