China Seeks to Contain Nationalism

Chinese nationalists are calling for boycotts of (particularly French) companies supporting Tibetan independence. Nationalists blame the influence of the Dali Lama for the international protests against China's human rights record. The PRC sees this nationalism as a threat to its judgment, namely its judgment to open up to foreign investments and markets. Seeking to avoid a 'China vs. the world' mentality during the Olympics, a statement from Xinhua hoped for the "patriotic zeal"to turn into "patriotic action" which concentrates on economic development.