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Torch Embarks on Calmer China Tour

Citizens vow not to protest as stars carry flame

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 3, 2008 3:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Olympic torch flickered in mainland China today in what will likely be a respite from its troubled worldwide tour. Security measures are in place for the relay, but Chinese citizens aren't in a protesting mood, the AP reports. “Even if no police were here, we would protect the torch with our bodies!” said one 18-year-old selling Chinese flags.

Jackie Chan and Yi Jianlian are expected to be among the 208 torch bearers, who will be covered by only three approved Chinese news outlets. Many in China have been outraged by the protests, saying Tibet is part of their homeland. "Those things won’t happen here because we have class,” one man said. But others along the torch's tour shrugged off the dispute and the flame itself as so much hoopla.

Supporters parade with China national flags in cheer along the route of the Olympic torch in Macau, China, Saturday, May 3, 2008.
Supporters parade with China national flags in cheer along the route of the Olympic torch in Macau, China, Saturday, May 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
In this photo released by the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, torchbearer Pang Tsz Shan holds the torch on a boat during the torch relay in Macau, China, on Saturday May 3, 2008.
In this photo released by the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, torchbearer Pang Tsz Shan holds the torch on a boat during the torch relay in Macau, China, on Saturday May 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Xinhua, Zhou Wenjie)
Macau tycoon Stanley Ho runs with the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay in Macau, Saturday, May 3, 2008.
Macau tycoon Stanley Ho runs with the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay in Macau, Saturday, May 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, Pool)
In this photo released by the Macau Olympic Committee, Olympic torchbearer Kwok Sio Ying waves during the Olympic torch relay at the Ruins of St Paul's in Macau Saturday, May 3, 2008.
In this photo released by the Macau Olympic Committee, Olympic torchbearer Kwok Sio Ying waves during the Olympic torch relay at the Ruins of St Paul's in Macau Saturday, May 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Macau Olympic Committee)
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