Chinese president gives a pep talk

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A few days ago, Chinese President Hu Jintao gave his country’s athletes a pep talk. Earlier today he urged Chinese citizens to pick up the pace in order to ensure a successful Beijing Games.

‘Hosting a successful Olympics and a Paralympics are now [the] top priority of the country,’ Hu said during a function sponsored by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. ‘We would like to promote the understanding and friendship between China and the world via our successful hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics.’

Hu only hinted at the potential for controversy as foreign visitors -- and overseas reporters and television cameras -- head into the country. The CPC’s official report suggested that ‘China should provide good media services to spread the happiness of watching Olympics to the world audience.’

-- Greg Johnson