China Reportedly Mobilizes Overseas Chinese to Protect Torch Relay

Koreans are disturbed by the violent reaction of Chinese supporters of the Olympic torch relay against demonstrators in Seoul. The Asahi Shimbun reported yesterday that the Chinese government used its embassies to organize pro-relay rallies in foreign countries.

Cheering Chinese supporters lining the relay’s route around the world were organized by Chinese authorities, said the newspaper.

The newspaper went on to say that Chinese students in Japan, who participated in the cheering rally on April 26, paid only 2,000 yen for transportation, and that the Chinese embassy covered the rest of the cost. 5,000 Chinese students turned up for the rally.

The Japanese newspaper also claimed that copies of a manual were distributed to participants, instructing them how to halt any attempts to disrupt the relay. The manual reportedly instructed that 20 people should form a human shield at each relay point to prevent the intrusion of protesters and that students should report to authorities any large-sized group of people, other than the students themselves. The manual also said if “suspicious items” are found, they should immediately wrap them in newspaper or clothing and throw them away.

In addition, it told the students to use the body to check any attempts to interrupt the relay, but cautioned them not to resort to violence. It also suggested that students speak loudly against protesters as long as they did not insult them. The newspaper interpreted the manual as carefully worded not to disgrace the dignity and image of China.

As protesters in London and Paris had hindered the torch relay, China seemed to have decided to protect it by mobilizing Chinese nationals and students overseas through Chinese embassies, reported the Japanese daily, citing inside sources.

At a regular briefing on April 24, when asked if the government was mobilizing overseas Chinese nationals with its embassies bearing the costs, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu reportedly avoided the issue by asking, “What’s the point in asking such questions?”

sya@donga.com