Beijing, China, is busy preparing to welcome people across the world as it is set to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. China is expecting a boom of business across various industries before and during the Olympic Games. However, China’s security arrangements are doing the exact opposite of what it is preparing to do. Due to the security arrangements, visa restrictions have become increasingly tightened.
Those that are working and/or studying in China find themselves being forced to leave as a result of the tightening restrictions. Those that plan to visit China for leisure or business have to cope with such difficulties.
Asides from that, the Chinese government has to deal with political demonstrations in Beijing. Yes, China has a growing list of PR nightmares to deal with. These nightmares had become apparent weeks before the start of the Olympic torch run.
There is the issue of Tibet. Tibet could be the one biggest issue that could prove to be a nightmare for the Olympics in Beijing.
There is the issue of the violence in Darfur. New Mexico Governor and former Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson highlighted China’s economic connection with Sudan back in 2007. Hollywood director Steven Spielberg resigned his post as a creative adviser to the Olympics in Beijing over Darfur.
There is possibly the issue of Zimbabwe.
There is also the issue of the treatment of North Korean refugees at the hands of the Chinese government. That issue came to light during the torch relay in Seoul, South Korea.
Asides from protests, the Chinese government is concerned with possible acts of terrorism during the Olympic Games.
So far, the strict security arrangements are putting a damper on businesses across Beijing. In the high-end hotels, occupancy is less than 50%. However, it is not just the hospitality business that is suffering.
While China prepares for the Olympics, the tightened security measures have also hurt other businesses.
The bigger concern is how long such security measures will last after the games.