The story

Still a year away, the Beijing Olympics are poised to be the grandest Games of all.

This has been called "China's Century," and the games will reflect the country's lofty ambitions when they open on August 8, 2008 -- a watershed of sports, politics and theater set on a stage designed by China's communist government.

"This is not a simple sports event at all," said Tu Mingde, a vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee and a key member of the winning bid committee. "Its meaning surpasses the importance of sports itself." Read full article »

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