Talk about it

What example does the story give of China's defensive stance on dissent?

Why is the world watching its actions against Uighur and Tibetan minorities?

What audience does the nation seem to care most about pleasing?

How has international opinion affected the traditional Olympic torch relay? How has it affected Olympic events and sponsors?

How are sponsors trying to counter protests?

When Beijing was awarded this summer's Olympic Games, what was the hope for the nation?

How has that hope translated into even more crackdowns on dissent?

What happened on March 10 to make the situation more volatile? How did the violence spread?

Previous to that, how had China already come under criticism? How has the Chinese government responded to this criticism?

How does its tough stance affect Chinese youth? Why?