With a year to go before the 2008 Olympics get under way, questions linger over China's efforts to improve its human rights record.
Observers and pressure groups have criticized the efforts of the Chinese government and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since Beijing won the bid in 2001, rejecting assertions by both that the Games will lead to lasting positive change in the world's most populous nation.
After praising Beijing's preparations as "excellent across the board," the IOC official charged with overseeing Beijing's preparations, Hein Verbruggen, sparked further anger from advocacy groups with his recent comments that, "...the way the Games are being used as a platform for groups with political and social agendas is often regrettable.''
There was some talk by Chinese leaders in Bejing that the Olympics would be part of the process to help develop human rights. While some don't believe this, the article does say that the 2008 Olympics will be a good opportunity for China to "show the world China's great achievements in the economy and infrastructure and to demonstrate their diplomatic clout."
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