China to Olympic guests: Leave your politics at home

FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images

In case it weren’t already clear, the organizers of this summer’s Olympics would rather you not protest against China during the games. The Bejing Organizing Committee has posted a set of 57 dos and don’ts for foreign visitors to the games, which include a ban on “religious or political banners or slogans at Olympic venues.”

Strangely for a document aimed at foreigners, it’s only available in Chinese, but the New York Times reports that other “don’ts” include defacing the Chinese flag, holding unsanctioned demonstrations at Olympic venues or anywhere else, and bringing printed materials critical of China into the country. The International Olympic Committee has yet to respond but it seems unlikely that they will deviate from their general policy of spinelessness.