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China envoy 'to quit Olympic torch relay over Tibet demos'
Rob Singh and Matthew Beard03.04.08
The Chinese ambassador was today on the brink of pulling out of the Beijing Olympic torch relay through London.
Hours after Fu Ying was confirmed as one of 80 torchbearers for Sunday's event, her role was in doubt amid concerns she will be the prime target for thousands of anti-China protesters.
The Chinese embassy appeared to pave the way for her withdrawal when a spokesman said she would probably be committed to other VIP duties on the day.
The news came as police prepared to throw a ring of steel around the 31-mile route amid mounting fear of violence between pro-Tibet and pro-China groups.
At least 80,000 spectators are expected to line the streets between Wembley and Greenwich, and thousands of police will mount patrols.
Eighty people, including sports, arts and screen stars, will carry the torch through 10 boroughs. But some - including former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq - are expected to protest over China's crackdown on dissent in Tibet and its poor human rights record. Some may wear "free Tibet" T-shirts or wave pro-Tibet flags.
Campaigners have warned that pro-Chinese groups are planning a counterattack against activists. Gordon Brown is due to greet the torch at No 10 but Whitehall is expected to be a flashpoint.
Anne Holmes, acting director of the Free Tibet campaign, warned: "The last time there was a Chinese state visit it did get unpleasant. There was an aggressive response from some members of the Chinese community to Free Tibet's presence."
The ambassador was to have been handed the flame at the British Museum but Zhao Shangsen, second secretary at the embassy, said: "Beijing requires the ambassador to be with the [Beijing Olympic] delegation. She does not know whether she can meet the two demands."
There are also fears protesters will target the other three Chinese VIPs lined up to carry the torch.
The police presence will include officers on bicycles, boats on the Thames and a helicopter overhead. Senior officers have been in talks with at least six groups organising demonstrations. Commander Bob Broadhurst, in charge of the security operation, said: "We will deal with anything swiftly and properly. I am confident the police will act appropriately."
The Greater London Authority can change the route at the last minute, or while the relay is under way, if it thinks it necessary.
The torch is due at Heathrow on Saturday. Starting with Sir Steve Redgrave at Wembley Stadium, it will pass through north-west London, through Oxford Street, Chinatown, and Whitehall. Cricketer Kevin Pietersen will carry it round Big Ben while the Sugababes will escort it along Oxford Street.
It will move on to Stratford and at the O2 Arena Dame Kelly Holmes will use it to ignite a cauldron.
Free Tibet said: "We have been approached by a number of torchbearers in confidence who feel it may be appropriate to make a pro-Tibet statement during the relay."
Sir Steve Redgrave revealed he had been urged to boycott the event: "Pressure I've had is from a number of emails urging me that a stand would make a difference. It was nothing unfriendly. I can see why they would like to make an issue over the torch relay."
Huq has said she had considered pulling out but will use her status as a torchbearer to protest instead.
There will be street parties and live shows along the route, including a party in Trafalgar Square and performances outside Royal Festival Hall. The band of the Scots Guards will play outside St Paul's Cathedral and there will be a carnival in Theatre Square, Stratford.
2012 chairman Lord Coe said: "We hope the people of London and the country will support our athletes and come and see them."
The torch is on a four-month, 85,000-mile, 21-country journey to Beijing.
The route the Olympic torch will take through the streets of London (click image to enlarge)
Reader views (10)
I like your comment regarding occupation, sure history is one thing but when people wanted to be free they should be free period not resort to killing and suppressing their freedom. Like India, it broke away from the British and many other countries that were able to declare their independent and gain their freedom. Tibet should become its own country too from the dictatorship of China.
- To Han Yi, Hamilton, Canada
The event is for celebrating the Olympic spirit and promote mutual understandings/friendship between peoples of the world. If you really want to promote your particular political cause/views at the torch relay, do it in a civilized way. Would it be better to celebrate something positive than to promote negative energy at such an event?
- Ptr, Phila., Pa, US
I trust the IOC or the British Olympic Association will pay for the police out of money from paying spectators - just as football clubs do?
- Mark Townsend, Sidcup
To Beth Wright
Would you please define "illegal occupation"? You have to understand, China established her sovereignty over Xizang(Tibet) hundreds years earlier than Britain over Falkland. Would you consider Falkland being illegally occupied by Britain?
It is sad when there is so much evidence out there in contradiction to the existing mindset many people like you have regarding Xizang (Tibet), people refuse to believe.
I have many British friends who totally understand and agree our point of view. I really hope you can take off your biased lens, and look at history as well as reality objectively?
We are open to criticism, but it has to be righteous, rather than distorted.
- Han Yi, Singapore, Singapore
All those who support the torch procession presumably don't care about China's human rights record. Still the sports and other celebs will do anything for money and/or free publicity.
- Blind Pugh, Addlestone, UK
While we may be told that this event is in the spirit of the Olympics (itself a cynical motto coined to market the games in recent times) it will be nothing of the sort. It is all about promoting China and the various companies sponsoring the games. China and certain sports shoe manufacturers have appalling human rights records and I see nothing to celebrate.
Congratulations to those torch-bearers who are going to wear Pro Tibet tee-shirts. That is the best way to publicise poor Tibet's terrible suppression. A brilliant and brave stand. Good for you!
- Maxc, London
I will be peacefully demonstrating on Sunday against the illegal occupation of Tibet by China. My wish is that hundreds of thousands of Londoners will be there to show our solidarity with the people of Tibet at this difficult time.
- Beth Wright, Barnet
I have travelled to Tibet regularly and truly respect and admire the people of this country, I was no doubt horrified when I saw images of racial victimisation of Han nationals and I strongly believe that these are a naive people being manipulated by unscrupulous individuals with there own political agenda with no forethought for the well-being of the Tibetan people.
The nationalisation of Tibet can not realistically be achieved without the consent or support of China who are not very likely to ever wavered under western pressure. What are they trying to do? They are just getting more innocent people killed. This is certainly not the way. What is this all about if not for the very same innocent people that always get caught up in a few opportunists political greed. Who are the real Human rights Violators here?
Its so easy to stand on a platforms from faraway and criticize without taking into consideration the consequences of what you are inciting as they say "The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
- Richards, Edinburgh
A terrible shame I'd pre-ordered my rotten eggs and tomatoes ready to pelt.
- Art Onomy, London
I hope that the overtime costs of the police will be charged to the Olympic Games and will not have to be paid by the London taxpayer.
- C Byrne, Pinner, UK
