Keywords: London Olympic Games close; NGO declares Chinese sovereignty of Diaoyu Islands; Chen Guangbiao to sell fresh air

London Games wave goodbye to the world

As the London Olympic Games drew to a close early Monday morning (Beijing time), Chinese reflected on 16 days filled with moments of excitement and surprises, as well as sadness and regret, all which inspired new thoughts and perspectives on society.

The China Youth Daily said these young athletes are lucky to compete in an age of openness and tolerance when they are able to express their personalities freely, while spectators are influenced by their enthusiasm on the field.

The Global Times (Chinese edition) commented in an editorial that the Olympic Games are to some extent a competition where nations can exhibit their strength. One intention of the Olympic Games of ancient times was to replace war with sport. Of course that original intent is far removed in modern times, but the debate sparked during the Games revealed confusion over personal and cultural values still exists in Chinese society, while patriotism is not as weak as believed by media commentators. These debates could push China in a positive direction, the paper added.

The Southern Metropolis Daily opined that social media has had such an impact on the discourse surrounding the event mainstream media has dubbed the London Games the "Weibo Olympics" and the "Olympics at our fingertips". Behind these discussions a space for public opinions that bonds both country and individual is developing where people can begin to reconcile personal and national values. This may be the London Games' greatest contribution to Chinese society, the paper concluded.

The Oriental Morning Post said Chinese people now have a more diversified perspective on the Games, including attention to sportsmanship, love of sport and respect for competitors, all of which reflect "the mindset of a great world power".

Hong Kong NGO to fly Chinese flag on Diaoyu Islands

A Hong Kong group determined to fly a Chinese flag on the Diaoyu Islands departed on Sunday evening on a boat voyage to the island chain in the South China Sea. 

The Action Committee for Defending the Diaoyu Islands, a non-government affiliated group based in Hong Kong, has expressed its determination to support Chinese interest in the islands, while voicing strong opposition of Japan's continuous visits to the nearby islands.

Other vessels from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have reportedly set off to meet the boat and travel to the islands together. The Japanese Coast Guard has deployed ships from its two southernmost Regional Coast Guard Headquarters to intercept the Diaoyu-bound vessels.

Phoenix TV commentator Zheng Hao said that younger people born in the 1980s and 1990s have not shown active interest in defending the Diaoyu Islands, especially in Hong Kong, a trend that needs to change. Through education and law, we must strengthen support among youth and reinforce the idea that the Diaoyu Islands are a part of China.

The Global Times (Chinese edition) quoted specialist Geng Xin's comment that the pressure Japan is feeling from Russia and South Korea is a result of its own hard line policies and actions in disputed territory.

The US neither wants to be threatened by China's growth, nor to see a close relationship between China and Japan. However, the US is not anticipating or would initiate a war with China while their allegiance with Japan and South Korea crumbles.

Chen Guangbiao "fresh air in a can" campaign sparks debate

In a campaign to raise awareness of China's air quality, Chen Guangbiao, a famous Chinese philanthropist, recently announced that he would open a mobile shop selling canned fresh air for around 5 yuan each beginning September 17.

"The amount of ozone per can equals to that of five hospital oxygen tanks, and three deep breaths of the air can bring a 'happy mind and a clear brain'," the Beijing Times posted on its official Weibo.

However, many netizens consider the campaign merely a publicity stunt.

We hope this is only a joke, said the Beijing Youth Daily. His "environment protection show" is just an extreme way of showing that we are facing an environmental crisis. Only if people realize how serious our environmental problems are, can Chen's action become a real joke, it added.

The West China City Daily opined Chen's action has social significance by demonstrating fresh air is becoming a rare resource today. No matter how much money Chen actually earns, we can regard his action as performance art and pay more attention to its format instead of content.

The Chongqing Economic Times commented that Chen did not invent this idea of "selling fresh air", which will probably be blocked by industry and commerce departments. The real purpose of Chen's campaign is to raise awareness over air quality.

Web commentator Bo Wenjun questioned Chen's efforts, saying there is no technology or quality control in place yet for this new kind of "air drink", and the empty cans merely add to waste. 

"Society is overwhelmed by extreme ideas and measures that overcorrect problems. Canned fresh air may even lessen the public's concern over air protection. General issues should be solved in conventional ways," Bo wrote on Chinese news service Herald Network.