Key words: Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang crashes out; Syrian PM defects; disputable call during rings final; Japan needs to learn self-restraint

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang gains support, faces heat from Chinese media

Chinese superstar Liu Xiang crashed out of the men's 110m hurdles as he hit the first hurdle in heat 6 at London Olympic Games on Tuesday, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

As China’s first hurdler to win an Olympic Games gold medal, Chinese media was quick to respond to the former world record holder’s tumble, blaming the immense pressure put on Liu to win.

“Liu Xiang is a fighter and when an athlete hurts his foot, it’s like a soldier losing his gun,” said CCTV reporter Yang Jian in response.

However Liu is also facing pressure from critics, saying that because of his previous injuries, Liu crashed early as he already knew he could not win, evoking his withdraw from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Huang Jianxiang, a well-known sports commentator, wrote on his Weibo account that although Liu’s prior achievements gave credibility to the nationwide sports system, Liu’s misstep will surely make it a targeted for criticism once again.

“It’s cruel and unfair to single out Liu Xiang, or we will be treated the same way when we fail,” he wrote. 

Chinese novelist Lu Qi echoed Huang on Weibo, saying although the results are disappointing, Liu Xiang tried his best.

“Don’t blame him. He will always be our hero,” wrote Lu.

Syrian PM switches sides

Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab was fired by the nation's president Bashar al-Assad, according to Syrian state television on Monday. However, a statement was read later by Hijab's spokesman in his name, announcing he had defected to the opposition and was joining the revolution.

The West is undoubtedly pleased to hear news of the defection, most likely regarding it as an achievement of western policy in the Middle East, the Global Times (Chinese edition) said.

Western nations can only revel in their ability to subvert a small country's regime, something they have proved competent at in the past, the paper continued.

This hasty decision by the US to depose al-Assad reflects its reluctance to admit its military strategy is narrow minded and a fear of being looked down upon.

Some are naive enough to believe that developing countries will follow the Western example after being baptized in democracy. This is a complete delusion. Rather, the relationship between the Middle East and the rest of the world depends on a yet unforeseeable pattern of interests, the Global Times (Chinese edition) added.

Jiefang Daily opined the current Syrian regime will not fall apart because unlike the Libyan crisis, al-Assad still retains control of the military.

The current Syrian regime exists because it represents a portion of the population. However, in conflicts between opposition and government forces, the people are most vulnerable. They are the victims of "regime change". Therefore, China appeals for an immediate cease-fire and both parties seek a diplomatic solution.

Certain countries advocate "human rights" while simultaneously providing assistance to the opposition with weapons that contribute to the escalation of violence, the paper commented.

"Lord of the Rings" loses gold, judges questioned

Defending Olympic champion Chen Yibing lost the men's rings crown on Monday, second to Brazil's Arthur Nabarrete Zanetti.

Chen delivered what can be described as a "perfect" performance, exhibiting flawless control and a perfect landing, while Zanetti had a small step on his dismount. The two athletes performed at the same degree of difficulty.

Chen, the undisputed world champion since 2006, displayed poise and optimism in the face of disputable judging. Despite losing the gold medal, Chen has gained applause from the public and Chinese media.

According to qq.com, when rules stand in the way of fairness, competition loses meaning. The Olympic spirit is based in fair play, with rules set in place to ensure fairness. But in London, rules have become barriers to fair competition, such as the victory granted to the tricky UK cycling team and Chen's loss despite a perfect performance.

China Youth Daily commented Chinese athletes are not afraid of defeat on reasonable terms. Chinese athletes should be challenged by other athletes, not by unreasonable judges.

Yangtse Evening News opined Chen Yibing exhibited the Olympic spirit to spectators in his brilliant smile while not expressing any anger or unhappiness over a bad call. In losing a gold medal, he won the admiration of the world.

Huang Yubin, head coach of China's gymnastics team, believes the judges should be ashamed of their scoring, according to sina.com. Huang continued that this is not only a blow to Chen Yibing and China's gymnastics team, but also gymnastics fans around the world. During competition, neither coaches nor athletes have the right to speak. The judges decide everything.

"When dispute and controversy arises, athletes, coaches, and even judges should adhere to a unified judging standard. Shouldn't the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and other authorities have checked when such an unfair scoring occurs during a final?" Huang said.

Japan to glean only frustration in Diaoyu Islands

The Japanese government and Tokyo Metropolis are entering into a phase of "substantial preparation" to buy China's sovereign territory the Diaoyu Islands, according to Japanese media reports.

Over 40 Japanese politicians plan to land on Diaoyu Islands to conduct an ancestral ritual, while Japan will strengthen their patrolling of the Diaoyu Islands using spy drones from a US military base in Guam, said the report.

People's Daily suggests there are reasons behind Japan's hard line stance on the Diaoyu Islands. In addition to acting as a pawn in the US' strategic return to the Asia-Pacific region, Japan is hoping to eliminate the long-standing frustration and boost morale at home.

However, Japan needs to remain rational rather than fervent if it wants to be involved in the region's developmental process.

Hong Kong China News Agency commented that if the Japanese government approves the visit, it would be one of the most serious events in the 40 years of renewed Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations.

It is dangerous for Japan to "play with fire", and this event will have an unimaginable impact on Sino-Japanese relations. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda must make a choice under pressure from both China and home.