China torch flare-up downunder

The keystone cop antics of the torch run through San Francisco made great TV entertainment around the world, a real PR coup for someone I guess, but not the Olympics.

Australia is shaping up to cause even more angst for China, the Olympic hosts. The presence of armed US security during last years APEC meeting was an anomaly and was not well received locally. Australian’s don’t tolerate foreign security on their soil.

While the Murdoch press is busy stirring the pot on this, insisting Chinese guards will be protecting the torch local authorities have warned that “Chinese guards travelling with the Olympic torch could be arrested if they lay hands on protesters in Canberra.”

The tracksuited Chinese officials, recruited from paramilitary police forces, were heavily criticised for perceived heavy-handed tactics in London and Paris.” The Guardian UK

Meanwhile thousands of Chinese expatriates are mobilising to defend the Olympic torch from pro-Tibet "scum" when it passes through the Australian capital.

“Chinese community leaders are invoking patriotism in an attempts to drum up a “people’s army” in Canberra next week.” Telegraph UK

It is ironic that Chinese nationals, in the name of patriotism, should choose to draw even more negative international attention to the torch relay. Sadly, at the same time, they risk driving racial divisions in this country.

So much for the spirit of peace and co-operation.