Editor's Note

In a world blessed with instant communications, anyone with an axe to grind can find an immediate constituency for virtually any kind of behaviour, even an attack on a defenceless, wheelchair-bound young woman carrying an Olympic torch through the streets of Paris, one of the most refined and beautiful cities in the world.

Of course, it’s a bit much to condemn the French people or Parisians in general for the boorish behaviour of a few individuals, who may not even have been French, but events since this horrific incident have shown those who would engage in such behaviour that their constituency is small at best and probably a fleeting thing. Cooler heads have prevailed in subsequent appearances of the Olympic torch and its bearers since leaving Europe, and Europeans are left wondering: Why did this happen? How can refined people show so little respect for the Olympic Movement and all the positive things it stands for?

Fortunately, some foreign residents of Beijing and China and people experienced in the ways of China, including those familiar with conditions in Tibet, have responded with reporting and commentary that displays great wisdom. The awakening of the Chinese people evident in their support of the Olympics the torch relay and the Beijing Games in capitals around the world has rightly caused leaders and opinion-makers to stop and think twice about what these attacks, often fuelled by self-serving ignorance and deceit, could mean for the future.

They have come to realize they are trampling on the Olympic dreams of the Chinese people: not a wise thing to do.

We are happy to report on the host-city Olympic Torch Relay in this issue beginning on page 12. The torch relay around China should be one of the big highlights of the 2008 Games, and we hope everyone who can will get a chance to view the Olympic torch as it passes through their community and reflect on the meaning of: Journey of Harmony, an aspect of China’s Olympic dream.

But there’s more: see page 28 to catch up on the events of China Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2008–09, where China-produced fashions stood out stronger than ever. There are also stories about art, travel, books and much more about life in fast-paced Olympic Beijing that is now speeding toward its Olympic day in the sun.

Enjoy it while you can, and, again, thanks to everyone who is working so hard to make this happen.