This summer, the world will turn its eyes toward China to watch the Olympic flame take its first-ever journey to the People’s Republic. Over the course of about two weeks in August, Beijing will present us with the greatest spectacle on earth. The makeover of the capital city will be complete: construction projects finished, buildings repainted, streets spotless, children smiling, and Communist Party officials happily applauding the dazzling sporting feats of the visiting nations.

As the world’s media turn their gazes toward Beijing, we are sure also to hear about other aspects of the People’s