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Beijing has named at least three parks in the city as designated protest zones during the Olympics. At a press conference July 23, Liu Shaowu, director of the security department of the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, said that demonstrations would be allowed at Shijie Park (World Park) in southwest Beijing, Zizhuyuan Park (Purple Bamboo Park) in northwest Beijing, and Ritan Park (Temple of the Sun) in east central Beijing. Liu suggested that demonstrators would have to file permits, as is standard in Beijing, but that these sites would allow freedom of expression and were in line with international norms for hosting major events.
The move to designate special protest zones in part is a way to defuse international pressures on China by showing that Beijing is allowing criticism to be aired during the Olympic games. By establishing designated protest zones, Beijing can point to security measures taken in places such as New York and London at international events like the U.N. General Assembly, World Trade Organization forums or G-8 meetings to justify a much more aggressive approach to demonstrators who act outside the designated zones. Beijing can thus complain of a double standard if, say, any international outcry occurs at the detention of a foreigner protesting China’s human rights record outside a designated zone, as Western security gives little leeway to disruptions in similar cases.
World Park is a Chinese version of Epcot Center, showcasing different continents, cities and cultures. It is a common attraction for Chinese from other provinces — but not for foreign tourists — and lies about 11 miles from Tiananmen Square, outside the normal tourist routes.
Purple Bamboo Park is in the northwest, next to the zoo and near the university district. Its location may be a way to keep both foreign and Chinese university students close to their campuses if they plan to demonstrate.
The Temple of the Sun is in some ways the most interesting choice. It is not far from major tourist sites, including the Silk Market, Beijing Friendship Store and the Temple of Heaven (the profile of which has been the iconic image on much of China’s Olympic PR and media). In addition, it is near the southern embassy district, one of the business districts and near where many foreigners live. It is also a short distance from the Beijing Olympic Media Center and the Foreign Ministry. Its more central location makes it a more attractive location for protests, but the park itself is walled and views inside from the street are difficult given the high bamboo and trees. Despite its central location, it is also well-shielded.
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