The power of women protesters

As riot and paramilitary police flood the city of Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang region, Uighur women took to the streets in to protest the imprisonment of their husbands and loved ones.

60 years of Communism in China – a cause for celebration ?

   156 dead, over 1000 injured and 1400 arrested in China’s deadliest crackdown  since Beijing’s Tianemen Sqaure in 1989. China’s no stranger to brutal clampdowns. Some say it throws doubt on China’s “ideological clue to Communism”

Human bargaining chips ?

Barack Obama says he’s “deeply concerned”  about the jailing of two American journalists in North Korea.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling have been given 12 years for  “hostile acts”  and illegal entry from China.

On air: Is there ever a right time to give up a struggle?

Hi, it’s James here, i’ll be presenting this evening’s show. The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, has announced that he’s abandoning his struggle to persuade China to grant greater autonomy for Tibet. Here’s what he said on Saturday:

“I have been sincerely pursuing the middle way approach in dealing with China for a long time now but there hasn’t been any positive response from the Chinese side … As far as I’m concerned I have given up …”

Talking Points 23rd September

Morning campers!

Thank you to Brett and Jen for taking good care of the blog overnight.

A nuclear country on the brink of becoming a “failed state”, is Pakistan the place where the world needs to see peace and stability most?

Michael Jordan meets Tchaikovsky

“Poetry in motion!” That’s a description applied to some of the best moments in sport. But instead of poetry, what about music? Chinese pianist Lang Lang – the 26-year-old who played at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics – has been speaking to the BBC about some of his sporting inspirations as he caresses the keys. When he plays Tchaikovsky? It’s basketball player, Michael Jordan, who comes to mind. But Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt also fill his fingers with fire. Is it the same for you? Do you forever link some sport or sports stars with pieces of music? Or do they inspire you to other works of art? And why?

Boys with toys

Mark writes
Ever lay awake at night wondering: “after the athlete has thrown the discus all that way, how does it get back to the ring for the next competitor to throw ?” No? Well I have, and last night in the Bird’s Nest I saw the answer. A remote-controlled, rocket-shaped, red car.

Your national anthem: Olympic pride? Or can’t abide?

The Olympics are now in full flight, and medal ceremonies are coming thick and fast. But does your national anthem make your breast swell with pride or make you want to cringe behind the sofa? And what are the alternatives?

Raise your handball

Mark writes…

An old fashioned idea but I thought I might go and see some sport, given that it’s an Olympics and everything.
I’m writing this at the beach volleyball venue (awaiting Russia v Georgia) but last night I went to watch my new 3rd favourite sport – handball.

China Cheers!

Mark writes…

It wasn’t a bad start was it?. From the drums doing the countdown to that spectacular finale, you couldn’t take your eyes off the Opening Ceremony. I had the privilege – and i can’t think of a better word- of being in a packed bar in Beijing – surrounded by proud – and at times quite emotional-Chinese people.