Chinese capital Beijing is pumped up an year before as it hosts the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The Olympic torch that signifies peace and fraternity has perhaps become a symbol of controversy. Taiwan has disallowed the Olympic torch on its island as both have been at odds over the torch’s route. Taiwan officials sense it as China’s linking of the island to Hong Kong, an attempt to promote its view that China and Taiwan are united.
Chinese mountaineers have also planned the final assault point of the torch relay will be 8,300 metres above sea level, to the peak of Mt. Qomolangma. Taking the torch up to Mt. Everest is one of the most technically challenging and politically motivated events Beijing has ever planned.
Besides facing the physical challenge of climbing the mountain the torch has to be designed to burn in bad weather, low pressure and high altitude that will bestride the borders of Nepal and Chinese-controlled Tibet.
Beijing hopes the feat will impress the world while Tibet facing a harsh 57-years of tyranny has condemned the torch route as a stunt meant to lend legitimacy to Chinese control.
Via: ABCNews
