With its huge population and unmatchable economic development since past few decades, when it comes to China, the world is extra interested and involved.

This time, as a host of 29^th Olympic Games, China had to deal with multi international issues and handle criticisms in areas including pollution, human rights, protests and joy-killer security measures.

By completion of the closing ceremony which formally ended the games on August 24th, it was clear for the world that China has done a very good job after 7 years hard work to perform on the world stage.

I talked to Chinese friends, discussed with foreign friends who enjoyed the games in the "Bird's Nest" and I searched numerous media sources including local and international...  Here are the selected passages to hail Beijing 2008:

* The first games to be held in the world's most populous country.

* The most expensive games ever.

* Beijing, from a typically northern city to an internationally acceptable modern city.

* China, to let the world know more about the Middle Kingdom and know more about the world.

* Excellent facilities... The Bird's Nest and Water Cube become international icons. So much attention on the architecture.

* Polite and quick security.

* Fast and efficient high-tech transportation.

* Despite initial few hazy days and concerns addressed prior to the games, overall a nice weather contributed for extra fun.

* Media... Positives were provided by local players mainly . Some foreign players preferred to stay with negatives while others tried to keep a balance between two. As a world giant with a very long history and rapid economic development, it is true that China has a lot of internal and international issues to be addressed and resolved. Media should be allowed to address these issues as long as criticism is constructive and China facts are considered.

* With over a million volunteers and smiling faces, China won millions of hearts during the games.

* Among multi billion dollars spent for the games, USD6.5 billions of dollars recorded to be spent for security only and the big portion of this amount was paid to the "west", where most of the criticism is produced about China's human rights handling and later questions raised that how China will use these high-tech security tools after Olympics.

* Despite very tight security measures, people appeared to enjoy the games.

* As IOC President said, "an extraordinary Olympics."

* The stunning opening and closing ceremonies, and all happened in between prove that China is now able to provide both "hardware" and "software" while there is always a room for improvement.


image source: www.china-briefing.com

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