The Party leader at the time, Jiang Zemin, wanted to show the world China's new status. And in winning the bid, the leaders could show the people how strong the government was. Plus, the leadership wanted to use the Olympics to strengthen nationalist sentiment.

Life is priceless even to an ant.

I have no enemies and no hatred.

Now the entire world has its eyes on China.

I have viewed the West as if it were not only the salvation of China but also the natural and ultimate destination of all humanity.

China after Olympics will progress very slowly. But the demands for freedom - on the part of ordinary people but also party members - won't be as easy to contain.

The free world led by the U.S. fought almost all regimes that trampled on human rights.