China plays a big role in the general deadlock the Darfur problem is experiencing. China is Sudan’s largest economic partner. It has also declared that it would veto any sanctions against Sudan. Therefore, in order to pressure Sudan, countries should pressure China.
What other way to do this than to suggest boycotting China’s upcoming Beijing Olympics? This is exactly what a French presidential candidate did at a pro-Darfur rally. China has invested colossal amounts of money for these games to be successful and Francois Bayrou knows just that.
France’s Olympic delegation is one of the biggest in the world and it would definitely send a strong message if they boycott the games. However, for this to work, more countries will have to use the same pressure point, something that even the official French government isn’t ready to do.
But I think that this presidential candidate brings up a very good point. If countries truly cared about the people in Darfur, they should all be taking such a radical stance. They should all demand that China stop protecting Sudan and start using some of its influence to solve the Darfur problem. Or else, they would hit China where it hurts, the Beijing Olympics.
This crisis calls for action, not for more fancy words.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
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4 comments:
I agree. The government of China has considerable influence in Sudan. China’s trade in oil with Sudan has close connections with arms dealing, which can be directly connected to the atrocities in Darfur. Because of its close relations with the Khartoum government, China is one of the few actors that can actually exert pressure to end the conflict. It is China’s responsibility as a world leader to protect human rights of the people in Darfur. At a time when China is so concerned about it’s image, the upcoming Beijing Olympics seem like a perfect chance for France and the rest of the world to pressure China to stop supporting the government and use its power to solve the problem in Darfur.
I also agree, I think this is a great way to put pressure on the situation in Darfur. China has undeniable interests in Sudan and their lack of support at the Security Council for an intervention demonstrates exactly why something needs to be done to influence China. I believe that the Olympics provide the perfect opportunity for the International community to tell China that their actions are unacceptable.
I am torn about whether or not I agree with the call to boycott the Beijing Olympics. In regards to pressuring China about Darfur, I think it is a great idea. Many celebrities and politicians are taking this view. Mia Farrow recently wrote an article in which she accused Beijing of "bankrolling Darfur's genocide." However, this is not the first attention given to a potential boycott. Back in 2001, when China was announced as the next Olympics host, there were several protests. In addition to their support of Sudan, many argued that China itself continues to both restrict freedom of speech and persecute people for their religious beliefs. In regards to these human rights violations in China, having the Olympics in Beijing could be a positive thing. Having the entire international attention focused on Beijing could result in a decreased number of violations.
I also agree, but I do have a problem with the idea of protesting a competition that is intended to be a worldwide event and bring everyone together. It's one of the few times that so many countries are brought together peacefully. Also, what about the althletes? I completely understand the horrific events occurring in Sudan, but it seems awful to ruin it for the people who have worked hard for this event and have nothing to do with the controversy.
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