China's staging of the Olympics is unquestionably the most dazzling in the history of international games. The opening ceremony, in which more than 10,000 Chinese performed eye-popping precision routines in flawless unison with the help of small individual radio receivers relaying commands, revealed the Chinese secret. Only in a regimented society in which individuals are constantly subject to commands of the state could such military-like polish be executed.
In awarding the games to Beijing, the International Olympic Committee, however, was made a sap, as predicted by students of the communist dictatorship's deceit. As part of the deal, China promised the IOC that protesters with longstanding grievances would be allowed to demonstrate in assigned areas after applying for state permission.
Not a single protest was held. Why? As Western news reporters discovered, when applicants showed up to ask permission, they were jailed or spirited away.
Westerners also found the secret to China's superb athletes. Authorities target only medal-rich sports to bring honor to the nation. Potential child athletes as young as 3 are taken from their homes and families for years of grueling training, against their will in many cases.
This, then is the China that is emerging as a superpower. It is still is a ruthless, despotic regime with the hypnotizing skills of showmanship and brass-knuckled deal-making.
The United States is helping it along. Last year, U.S. consumers spent $230 billion on Chinese goods, and Washington handed Beijing $502 billion in IOUs.
China seems far ahead in the more critical game of outsmarting the U.S.
