Lords of the Rings...

While I await the typhoon to pass by Hong Kong, I have spent quality time in my mainland friendly hotel,watching CCTV. Indeed, this is an exciting time in this region and the Olympic fever is intensifying on the streets (and TV sets) in Hong Kong.

One of the oldest/most prolific civilizations around, China has come full circle in its quest for glory and recognition. Nearly thirty years ago, China started opening its door to foreign investment and embracing its own model of capitalistic communist growth. The means of progress (Tiannanmen Square in 1989) and at times, even the outcomes, can certainly be debated (what about the poor in rural China?). That being said, what the Chinese have achieved over the last 2-3 decades is remarkable - the transformation from an agrarian, bicycle riding nation to a Starbucks chugging, high tech manufacturing driven, VW driving people.

Yes, an event of this scale in a country with a communist background is bound to have controversies - Tibet demonstrations, Kashgar terror strike, 'blue skies' or the lack thereof in Beijing and so on...

However, in the final analysis, one can't help but feel awe, envy and admiration about the Chinese juggernaut as this summer's Olympics dawns upon us. I am confident given the hard working ability and the human capital of the Chinese people, this will go down as one of the finest Olympics in recent times - a true celebration of the 're'-emergence of the Chinese civilization on the world scene.

Bravo Beijing! Well done!
Congratulations China - You have arrived!