The 2022 Winter Olympic Games officially began this week in Beijing.
These Games have been fired by the usual energy and excitement, but they are tempered by concern about the behavior of the host country and some fear about what could happen to athletes that draw attention to it. Usually, as occurred during last year’s Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, the controversies will be overshadowed by performances once the competition begins. This year, however, they may endure, shaping perceptions of the Games themselves.
For China, the Games are yet another opportunity to claim global attention and showcase the country’s extraordinary rise and status. The Olympics are unparalleled spectacles that demonstrate mastery of administration, logistics, technology, hospitality and sports prowess. For the Beijing government, the audience is also internal. Hosting the Games shows the Chinese people that their government has created a nation that can awe the world.