Olympic stadium opens its doors

Apr. 15 - Beijing's Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium makes its debut to the foreign media.

The iconic 3.5 billion yuan (500.2 million USD) arena, the centrepiece of the Beijing Olympics, took more than four years to build.

Construction started in December 2003 and was completed 14 weeks behind schedule.

It will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletics and soccer finals during the Aug. 8-24 Summer Games.

New Museum Offers the Official Line on Tibet

The Chinese Communist Party’s unflinching line on Tibet’s historic status has fueled Tibetan resentment.

Chinese Student in U.S. Is Caught in Confrontation

A student who acted as a referee between a pro-Tibet vigil and a pro-China group has been accused of being a traitor.

More Steps Urged on Interest Rates in China

The government said price controls had limited the cost of many essential items and exports to the United States had weakened.

Coca-Cola Faces Critics of Its Olympics Support

As one of the most prominent sponsors of the Olympics, Coca-Cola found itself on the hot seat on Wednesday at its annual shareholder meeting.

Inflation and Growth Ease Somewhat in China

The figures for inflation in March and for first-quarter economic output showed that prices were still rising at an uncomfortably swift pace while the economy still threatened to overheat.

Chinese Entity Buys a Stake in British Oil Giant

A Chinese government entity has acquired a sizable stake in BP for about $2 billion, the latest indication that China is becoming an increasingly important global investor.

Europe Steps Around Tibet as Trade Issue

The European Commission said that worries about human rights and Tibet should not be “walled off” from Europe’s trade relationship with China but that it did not support boycotts.

Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics

Chinese officials laid out a sweeping series of measures intended to clear the air for the Olympics this summer.

Recycling That Harms the Environment and People

The dismantling of electronic circuit boards, which contain lead, zinc, copper and other metals, can be dangerous to human health, a new study suggests.

Beijing cleans up act for Olympics

Apr. 14 - Beijing announces new measures for heavy polluters to improve air quality for the Olympics.

To offset concerns about the health implications for competitors, Beijing is taking drastic action to ensure the Games don't stumble at the last hurdle.

Olympic torch in Oman

Apr. 14 - The Olympic torch is expected to get a protest-free outing in the Gulf sultanate of Oman for the sole Middle East leg of its journey to Beijing.

The torch was greeted in the capital Muscat by a low-key ceremony attended by the Omani Sports Minister and representatives of the Chinese diplomatic mission.

80 athletes, including Omani footballers, are expected to relay the flame along a 20-kilometre (13-mile) route.

The early stages of the torch trip in London and Paris were overshadowed by demonstrations against Beijing's crackdown on protests in Tibet, and the third stage in San Francisco was curtailed.

The most recent legs in Buenos Aires and Dar es Salaam passed with little incident.

After its trip to Oman, the torch will go to the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

China and Taiwan Report Small Steps in Easing Tensions

Weedkend meetings between top Chinese and Taiwanese officials produced progress on improving economic relations and reducing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Dalai Lama Says His Aides Are Talking to China

Yet officials in Beijing continue to portray him as having orchestrated protests in Tibet that have led to a crackdown and violence there.

Tibet Backers Show China Value of P.R.

With the Olympics in mind, China has been exploring American-style public relations approaches.

Olympic torch in Tanzania

Apr 13 - The Olympic torch arrives in Tanzania for its only Africa leg of the world relay ahead of Beijing games.

The Olympic torch arrived in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on its only African leg of a relay that's has been plagued by protests.

Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai was scheduled to take part, pulled out at the last minute over China's policy in Tibet.

Monks accused of bombing

Apr 13 - Chinese police arrest nine Tibetan Buddhist monks suspected of bombing a government building in Tibet.

Chinese police have arrested nine Buddhist monks, suspected of bombing a government building in Tibet.

China has accused Tibetan groups of planning suicide attacks following last month's riots and protests, but this appeared to be the first report of a bomb attack during the unrest.

China’s Leader Insists Sovereignty Is at Stake Over Tibet

President Hu Jintao of China described the recent Tibetan demonstrations as violent crimes orchestrated by the Dalai Lama.

For the West, Many Tough Calls on China

The intrusion of politics into the 2008 Olympic Games to be hosted by China has become a major worry for diplomats, athletes and the event’s commercial sponsors.

Opinion: Don’t Know Much About Tibetan History

Tibet was not “Chinese” until Mao Zedong’s armies marched in and made it so.

Opinion: China’s Loyal Youth

As is clear to anyone who lives in China, most young ethnic Chinese strongly support their government’s suppression of the recent Tibetan uprising.

Former Party Boss in China Gets 18 Years

The former Communist Party boss of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for taking bribes and abusing power.

No Trouble for Olympic Torch in Buenos Aires, to Organizers’ Relief

The Olympic torch passed through the Argentine capital in an orderly manner, making this leg of the torch relay one of the most trouble-free of its world tour to date.

China Tries to Solve Its Brand X Blues

Even as the West fears Chinese manufacturing, China fears Western brands and marketing.

Fear remains after Tibet riots

Apr. 11 - Life in a Tibetan-dominated town in China's northwest is returning to normal after last month's riots.

But fears still exist after the pro-Tibet violence which swept through the area. More than 400 people including 170 monks are still being held by authorities.

China releases riot video

Apr.11 - Chinese authorities release dramatic video to visiting journalists filmed by government sources.

Chinese officials say the video footage shot in several towns in Gansu province highlights the scale and intensity of recent unrest over Tibet.

Dalai Lama Shows Support for Olympics, and Protests

The Dalai Lama also insisted that pro-Tibet groups had the right to demonstrate during the torch relay.

Olympic Official Calls Protests a ‘Crisis’

The president of the Olympic committee called on the authorities in Beijing to improve human rights.

Carrying the Olympic Torch, and Protesting It, Too

An environmental activist from the Bronx recalled her experience of pulling out the Tibetan flag as she carried the Olympic torch in San Francisco.

Yuan Hits Milestone Against Dollar

For the first time in over a decade, the dollar bought less than 7 yuan, a milestone that is just the latest sign of China’s growing economic power.

Dalai Lama: China violence outdated

Apr. 10 - The Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, says no-one can stop protesters from expressing their anger over Tibet.

Speaking in Japan, the Dalai Lama said that China's use of violence was an outdated way to suppress unrest in Tibet but expressed support for Beijing's hosting of the Olympics.

The passing of the torch

Apr 9 - A peaceful start to San Francisco's Olympic torch relay... but all along the relay route, massive security aimed at avoiding the chaos seen when the torch passed through London and Paris.

But pro-Tibet protesters weren't the only ones there to make their voices heard. They clashed with pro-China demonstrators there to voice their support for the country hosting the Beijing's Olympic games.

Gere blasts China in pro-Tibet vigil

Apr. 9 - Actor Richard Gere has urged world leaders to "acknowledge the situation" in China regarding alleged human rights abuses by the government.

Gere is a Buddhist and supporter of Tibetan freedom made his comments ahead of a candlelight vigil in support of Tibetan freedom in San Francisco. Tibet demonstrators rallied in the streets on San Francisco during the day to protest against China's treatment of Tibet.

Gere: "Deep problems" in China

Apr 8 - In an interview with Reuters, actor Richard Gere said national leaders must acknowledge there are "deep problems" in China.

Gere, a close follower of the Dalai Lama and chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet, said the conflict could be resolved with mutual dialogue and opposed the idea of boycotting the Olympic games.

Olympics chief on torch "crisis"

April 10 - The head of the International Olympics Committee says the torch relay will not be halted despite security worries.

But after protests have disrupted the Olympic flame tour in Europe and San Francisco, the IOC expressed concern for the upcoming Beijing summer games.

Monks Disrupt Media Tour in China

In a public relations setback for China, Buddhist monks waved a Tibetan flag during a government-led tour.

The I.O.C.’s Five-Ring Circus

For this torch relay ritual that began in 1936, any tidy balance between protest and disorder may no longer be possible.

Heparin Is Now Suspected in 62 Fatalities Across U.S.

It is not known if the deaths linked to the blood thinner were the result of a contaminant introduced in China during the manufacturing process.

Sales at Auction of Chinese Art Exceed Estimate

Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction of Chinese contemporary art brought in nearly $18 million, countering concerns that global economic uncertainties would weaken prices.

Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route

The Olympic torch arrived in San Francisco amid contradictory reports about how officials plan to respond to protests in Europe.

As Torch Reaches San Francisco, It Runs for Cover Before Its Run

The Olympic torch extravaganza could become a civic migraine in the face of potential protests against China.

NY Times Editorial: The Torch and Freedom

In the spirit of the Olympic ideals, we are prepared to help China — free of charge. Here’s what you do: Stop arresting dissidents.

Protests of China Make Olympic Torch Relay an Obstacle Course

Pro-Tibetan demonstrators and others protesting Chinese human rights abuses turned the running of the Olympic torch through the streets of London into a tumult of scuffles.

Opinion: A Passage to Tibet

Playing in the major leagues is no breeze and China can no longer pretend to be the unobtrusive power par excellence.

Ethnic Unrest Continues in China

Fresh violence erupted in a Tibetan region, with disputed reports of at least eight people shot dead by police.

Seeing the Sights of Industrial China: 2 Factories, 2 Futures

China is caught between the reality of low-cost, tight-margin industries and a desire to advance in the production of higher-profit goods.

China’s gays welcome spotlight

Gay activists in China are hoping to use the international attention from this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing to showcase their fight for greater acceptance.

Xinjiang curbs protests incited by Islamic extremists

The protest in several cities of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on March 22 was confirmed to be an organized move launched by Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami (Islamic Party of Liberation).

Tibet Reopening to Tourism After Protests

Tibet will be reopened to tourists on May 1, a decision announced Thursday even as authorities showed no sign of lifting restrictions on foreign journalists.

India Tiptoes in China’s Footsteps to Compete but Not Offend

India’s approach to China — one part caution, one part competition, with a dash of mimicry sprinkled in — has drawn criticism from those who say it is “overcautious.”

Chinese Rights Activist Is Jailed

Critics say the conviction of Hu Jia is part of a government crackdown to silence dissidents ahead of the Olympics.

China Confirms Protests by Uighur Muslims

In the northwestern region of Xinjiang, Uighur Muslims protested Chinese rule last month even as Tibetans rioted in the southwest, Chinese officials said.

China’s Leader Orders Police to Ensure Olympic Security

The Chinese president, Hu Jintao, said the country’s international reputation was at stake.

Pelosi Suggests Bush Skip Olympics Opening

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said President Bush should consider boycotting the opening festivities as a way of making a statement that would not interfere with the ensuing games themselves.

Olympic Torch Begins Its Journey in Beijing

President Hu Jintao of China waved the Olympic torch at a ceremony on Monday, then sent it on a journey around the globe where protests and controversy likely await.

Issue for Athletes: Protest on Darfur at Olympics

Socially conscious athletes are struggling to honor their beliefs while also respecting the purpose of the Games.

China Says It Has Evidence Dalai Lama Incited Riots

Xinhua, the state-run news agency said the Chinese police had a confession from an unidentified monk who they said received orders from supporters of the Dalai Lama.

In Isolated Hills of Asia, New Roads to Speed Trade

A network, several sections of which were still unpaved as late as December, is a major milestone for China and its southern neighbors.

Chinese Nationalism Fuels Tibet Crackdown

If the tough tactics have startled the outside world, the Communist Party for now seems more concerned with rallying domestic opinion.

Tibet Protest at Olympic Ceremony

Greek officials handed over the Olympic flame to organizers of the Beijing Summer Games on Sunday, but demonstrators sought to disrupt the ceremony.

Diplomats Visit Tibet Amid Anxiety Over Unrest

The tour was China’s latest effort to quiet talk about the possibility of a boycott of this summer’s Olympic Games.

The Drug Scare That Exposed a World of Hurt

Following the heparin scandal, weak oversight of a global market for medicines has received new attention.

Changing the Rules of the Games

How did a handful of activists manage to shake up Beijing with “Genocide Olympics” T-shirts?

Last Days of Taipei

In Taipei, the collision of history and reinvention is changing the face of the Taiwanese capital. Click through to see additional photos by Michael Wolf not in the magazine.

Growing Gulf Divides China and Old Foe

A gap between Western and Chinese leaders on perceptions of the Dalai Lama is breeding pessimism that China will take a new approach to Tibet.

Corporate Sponsors Nervous as Tibet Protest Groups Shadow Olympic Torch’s Run

The disruption of a Chinese official’s address in Greece was just the beginning of a string of protests planned to coincide with the torch’s trip around the globe.

Putting Faces on 5 Victims of Tibetan Riots

In life, the five young women who burned to death in a Chinese clothing store during rioting in Tibet were not the types who would make headlines.

Monks Protest During Press Tour of China

About 30 Tibetan monks shouting pro-independence slogans protested during a highly scripted tour for Western journalists in Lhasa’s central Buddhist temple.

China Law Could Impede Microsoft Deal for Yahoo

In August, a Chinese antimonopoly law takes effect that will extend the nation’s economic influence far beyond its borders.

U.S. Sent Missile Parts to Taiwan in Error

High-tech electrical fuses for nuclear warheads were sent to Taiwan, a mistake discovered only last week — a year and a half after the erroneous shipment.

At Shuttered Gateway to Tibet, Unrest Simmers Against Chinese Rule

Chengdu, China, feels like a border outpost, tense and anxious, at the edge of what several Tibetans called a war.

NY Times Editorial: Cross-Strait Opening

China would be better off following Ma Ying-jeou’s lead and pursue practical ways to build more stable ties with Taiwan.

A Chevy With an Engine From China

Last year, China exported more than $12 billion in auto parts, adding to the problems plaguing North American suppliers, and soon, it will be exporting even more.

Pressed Over Tibet, China Berates Foreign Media

Chinese officials have sharply criticized foreign reporters over their coverage of the riots in Tibet, accusing them of biased reporting and preventing them from traveling to Tibet.

Pro-Tibet Demonstrators Disrupt Olympic Ceremony

Activists angered by China’s crackdown in Tibet upstaged an Olympic flame-lighting ceremony in Greece on Monday.

China Still Has Some Tarnish on Its Image

Recent actions by the Chinese government show the risk of permitting a dictatorship to play host to the Olympics in the hope that it will change its ways once the whole world is watching.

Election Outcome in Taiwan Buoys Stock Market

Stock prices soared in Taiwan as investors welcomed the presidential election victory of Ma Ying-jeou, a Nationalist who has called for closer relations with mainland China.

As Tibet Erupted, China Security Forces Wavered

Witnesses say that for almost 24 hours after Lhasa erupted, police officers were often nowhere to be found.

Discipline First for Taiwan’s New Leader

Ma Ying-jeou is a fiercely determined man who sleeps five hours a night, jogs regularly at dawn — and on Saturday won the presidency of Taiwan.

Intellectuals in China Condemn Crackdown

A petition signed by prominent Chinese intellectuals criticizes the government’s “one-sided” propaganda campaign.