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China Falls Behind on Olympic Promises

Despite vows, not much change on air quality, political freedom

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2008 2:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – With exactly a month to go before the Olympics, China has not delivered on promises to improve Beijing’s air quality or allow foreign journalists open access, the BBC reports. The government vowed to bring Beijing’s air up to WHO standards when bidding for the Games, but a BBC test showed the city over the pollution limit 6 days out of 7.

The government insists the air will be up to snuff by the start of the Games, thanks to emergency measures that will halt construction and take many cars off the streets. China also continues to face criticism from rights groups. Human Rights Watch slammed Beijing in statements for continuing to restrict foreign reporters, who still cannot enter “forbidden zones” such as Tibet.

The skyline along one of Beijing's main avenues is obscured by pollution in the Chinese capital Tuesday, July 17, 2007.
The skyline along one of Beijing's main avenues is obscured by pollution in the Chinese capital Tuesday, July 17, 2007.   (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel)
Construction workers labor on a building on a hazy morning in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007.
Construction workers labor on a building on a hazy morning in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Cyclists and bikers stop at a traffic light, as buildings are faintly seen, rear, shrouded in a haze of smog in Beijing, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007.
Cyclists and bikers stop at a traffic light, as buildings are faintly seen, rear, shrouded in a haze of smog in Beijing, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007.   (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
Construction workers stand on scaffolding erected to build an Olympic exhibit as the city is covered with smog and pollution, a month before the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing Tuesday, July 8, 2008.
Construction workers stand on scaffolding erected to build an Olympic exhibit as the city is covered with smog and pollution, a month before the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing Tuesday, July 8,...   (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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