Olympics will lift country’s image say Chinese

Most Chinese people believe the Olympics will boost the country's image and will be a success, according to a new poll.

The almost universal optimism was shared by men and women alike, and people of all ages and income groups, writes AP. They say:

" … Ninety-three percent said they believe the Olympics will help China's image around the globe. A similar number voiced confidence that the games will go well: 96 percent said their hosting of the Aug. 8-24 competition will be successful …"

High expectations

The International Herald Tribune quotes Melissa Murphy, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington:

" "I am a little surprised at how high the expectations are for the Olympics," said Murphy, noting that 96 percent of respondents said they believed China's role in the Games would prove successful. "It might have some officials in Beijing worried about the consequences if the Games are not …

" … Murphy said China's mobilization for the Games was something unimaginable in a Western country. "I cannot imagine London taxi drivers complying with instructions to wear uniforms and learn 100 words of Chinese for the 2012 Games," …"

The survey was conducted by the Pew Research Center in March and April this year – after the unrest in Tibet and during the torch relay protests, but before the Sichuan earthquake.

Let us know what you think of the findings.