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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- At last, I've arrived - in Tiananmen Square, Beijing.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13- The Games of the 29th Olympiad - in 2008...
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- ..are awarded to the city of...
0:00:16 > 0:00:17- ..Beijing!
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- Five years ago, - it was announced that Beijing...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- ..would host the 2008 Olympic Games.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- Tiananmen Square - hadn't seen anything like this...
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- ..since the 1989 student protests.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38- But this time, the people - were celebrating a victory.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- And on the last part of my journey, - I've come to experience...
0:00:43 > 0:00:48- ..China's modern politics - as it prepares for the 2008 Games.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- "I walked over dew to get here...
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- "I followed the weak light - of the last star.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- "I bring light to the world, - I bring warmth to mankind.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- "Ask them to welcome me,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- .."the messenger of light, - the bringer of day."
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- The beginning of another day - for the 7,000 workers on China's...
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- ..most important building site. They - live in a country I'd like to see...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- ..waking up modern, - democratic and free.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- They have experienced colonialism - and imperialism...
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- ..and now they are striving - to build something...
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- ..the world hasn't seen before.
0:01:48 > 0:01:54- Communism walking hand in hand with - capitalism towards another dawn.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- They are building - the 2008 Olympic Stadium.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- What sort of society - are they building?
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- How will the new Olympic Stadium - reflect this society?
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- China is experiencing great change.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- Today, we can converse - with other countries...
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- ..as well as compete with them.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- Ai Weiwei is China's - most radical modern artist.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- His life history - gives us an insight...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..into how the country - has developed recently.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- He is the son of one of China's - most popular poets, Ai Qing...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..an artist who turned - to writing poetry...
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- ..after he was imprisoned - by the Kuomintang Government.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- He opposed Communism in the '40s.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- The upheaval - his family experienced...
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- ..has had a great effect - on Ai Weiwei.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- It's given him an attitude.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- He's more than willing to show it, - even in China.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- As an artist, Ai Weiwei finds - himself in an unique situation.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- He has been chosen as the designer - of the Olympic Stadium.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- I asked the bad boy - what inspired his design.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Many people are attracted - by its Oriental look.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- They want this piece of work - to represent...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- ..the views and politics - of the world.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- The stadium is more - than just a stadium.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It reflects the ambitions - and dreams of our time.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05- Perhaps we will fail and perhaps - they will be disappointed.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10- But I hope it represents China - at this moment in history.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- China's hopes...
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- ..and how China wishes - to be seen by the world.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- But hope is a difficult aspect - to nail into a building...
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- ..and to build into a nation.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- Ai Qing, - Ai Weiwei's father, once wrote...
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- .."Hope is the friend of dreams - but from the same family as deceit".
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- I travelled over 800 miles - from the capital...
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- ..to the village of Hongzhuan - to see if the Games...
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- ..have had any effect - on the population.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- I met a grandmother, - a member of the Communist Party...
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- ..and the head of the village - - Mrs Lui.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- People here were so poor that - their children did not go to school.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- For centuries, paddy fields - dominated the landscape here.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- Mrs Lui realised she could make - more money growing something else.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- In the beginning, - I planted flowers on my little farm.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- The villagers saw the results - and realised they could do the same.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- Now, everyone grows flowers.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30- We have been chosen - to supply flowers for the Games.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- China's success will be our success.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- I am very proud of this.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- Perhaps the village is proud - of its contribution to the Games...
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- ..but it's not just flower power...
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- ..that's changed villages - like Hongzhuan.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- There have been elections - in Hongzhuan since '88.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- They are held every five years...
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- ..as part of the Communist - Government's democratic experiment.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- China has a fairly simple - political system...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- ..but the bureaucracy is complex.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Right, here we go!
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- China is a one-party country, - the Communist Party...
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- ..which holds a conference - every five years.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- The day-to-day running is left - to the Politburo - the Cabinet...
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- ..that controls - The People's Congress...
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- ..23 head honchos who control - regional and local government.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- Is that clear?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- What's interesting - about Hongzhuan's election...
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- ..is that there are two candidates.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- There is a choice - - between two communists!
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- Someone wishes to challenge Mrs Lui.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- A 51-year-old garlic farmer - called Zhang Luncheng.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- A leader must look after - the ordinary folk.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- He has to make the people richer.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- In order to do so, - he has to be rich himself.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- A leader has to be rich, - according to Mr Zhang.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- But for Mrs Lui, it is crucial - for a leader to know the people.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Today, ordinary people - want democracy...
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- ..no matter how large - or small the problem is.
0:07:29 > 0:07:35- Only when there is democracy - do they feel happy and respected.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Keeping the people happy - is important...
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- ..if the Government - wants to see its new dawn.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- Young people feel that a new - chapter is waiting to be opened.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- For them, it's not just - the Games that are important.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- It's also the moment when China - turns the dream into reality.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- In Beijing's technical fair, - entrepreneur...
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- ..and computer whizz kid, - Lu Yunfei...
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- ..tries to win a hi-tech contract - to supply the Games' tickets.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- It will be possible to obtain - tickets around the city, like ATMs.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23- He wants people to return home with - their picture on their ticket...
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- ..and a different idea of China.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Many people are clueless - about China today.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- They have an image - of the Chinese wearing "pigtails"...
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- ..as they did - in the early 20th century.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- They think of China - as a poor developing country.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45- It's preposterous.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- He is also a staunch nationalist...
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- ..and his website - is accessed by thousands.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- He's organised dozens - of anti-Japanese protests.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- They highlight - historic and modern issues...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..whilst reflecting - the growth in nationalism.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Our website is concerned - with safeguarding...
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- ..the welfare of our nation - and people.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- For me, nationalism is concerned - with the love of this country.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- For Lu Yunfei, the Olympic stadium - is a symbol of the new China...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..which, under the leadership - of the Communist Party...
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- ..will compete on a global level.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- The shame China has felt - whilst suffering...
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- ..at the hands of foreigners has - had a terrible effect on the nation.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- As recently as the last century, - the superpowers attacked...
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- ..and that's still very clear - in their minds.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- But the worst memory, I'm sure, - is the brutal Japanese attack...
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- ..on Nanking in 1937.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- 350,000 people were murdered. - There's an opportunity now...
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- ..to remind people that - the Communist Party and its army...
0:10:07 > 0:10:13- ..has brought them from there - to here - the 2008 Olympic Stadium.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- Beijing University students meet at - a training session for stewards...
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- ..ready for the Olympic Games.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- Foreign students give a few valuable - tips about western etiquette.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- When eating, you must remember...
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- ..no noise, no breaking wind.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- Bo Han is 18 years old and a student - in her first year studying law.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- I'm very excited - about the Olympic Games.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Many people will come to China...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..to see how we have changed - and developed.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- Hopefully, they will change - their attitude towards us.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- For Bo Han, in an economy - that has seen growth of 9%...
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- ..every year for the past 20 years, - anything is possible.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- But it surprised me to hear that - the only thing she wants to do...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- ..is join the Communist Party.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- I've been influenced by my family.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- My grandfather fought hard - to join the party but failed.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- My father was accepted recently.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- I want to bring new blood - into the party.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- I'm sure it will enrich my life.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- At the moment, our aim is - to increase our economic power...
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- ..to be prosperous and powerful.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- We have to move with the times - and not stand still.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- It appears that joining - the Communist Party...
0:12:02 > 0:12:03- ..is a popular career choice.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- If she succeeds, she will - be one of 68 million members...
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- ..of a party that is growing - and is confident about the future.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- People say that this is China's - century, but I'm not so sure.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- Talking like this doesn't help - - don't just talk, do it!
0:12:22 > 0:12:28- With our enormous population, - our turn will soon come.
0:12:42 > 0:12:42- 888
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- 888- - 888
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- Although the Communist Party...
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- ..is recruiting new, optimistic - members like Bo Han...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- ..for a grumpy western liberal - like me...
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- ..the Communist Party - has a long way to go...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- ..if it hopes to reach - the democratic standards...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- ..that are acceptable - to the rest of the world.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- There is a need - for greater freedom of speech.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- With a family history - of suffering and oppression...
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- ..who better to give me - a perspective on this...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- ..than the stadium designer - and artist Ai Weiwei.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- The disorder - of the Cultural Revolution...
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- ..as seen through the eyes - of a seven year old.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- I saw hatred and anger every day.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Madness and disorder were the main - ingredients of my childhood.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- The Cultural Revolution - was a desperate attempt by Mao...
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- ..to keep the momentum - of his original vision.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- It was a complete failure - and left a million people to suffer.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Ai Weiwei was 20 - before he was free from its grasp.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- During this period, - his father and family...
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- ..were forced to move - to Xinjiang...
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- ..desolate land - beyond the Gobi Desert.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- We lived in a hole in the ground, - in some kind of a bomb shelter.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- The books of the most famous poet - of his day were burnt.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- He was refused any reading books - and writing materials...
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- ..and was forced to clean - the toilets of 200 soldiers.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- He would have to attend meetings...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..self-evaluation sessions, - almost every day.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- I remember one night, - it was very late...
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- ..and he was called - to one of these meetings.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- I was home alone, - worrying about him.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54- When my father came home and opened - the door, I had a terrible shock...
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- ..because he was pitch black.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- He told me that the Red Guards...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- ..had tipped a bucket full - of black ink over his head...
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- ..to turn him completely black.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- He lived with this kind of fear - almost every day.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- The Cultural Revolution - ended in 1976.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- Ai Weiwei was 22 years old.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- He is scarred for life.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- The only way forward for me...
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- ..was to become - an independent artist...
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- ..because as an artist - you can create your own system.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- Now, whatever I do, I always - remember that I'm a free individual.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- I have the right and ability - to choose.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- The rebel and "enfant terrible" - Ai Weiwei feels free...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..but for millions of others, - freedom depends on the changes...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..that the Communist Party has - to make to keep its authority.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- Perhaps there is more tolerance for - voicing one's opinion in China...
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- ..since the student protests - in Tiananmen Square.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- But, rather terrifyingly, - the anti-Japanese riots in 2005...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- ..shows that the power - of the Government...
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- ..continues to be alive and strong.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- Thousands protested against a new - version of a Japanese schoolbook...
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- ..that did not include - Japanese atrocities in China.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- Lu Yunfei was surprised at - the number of people who protested.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- He and his friends have organised - dozens of protests against Japan...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- ..but they had never seen - anything like this before.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- We don't know who organised this.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Perhaps we will never know - who organised it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- At the time, - China was trying to prevent Japan...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..from getting a permanent seat - on the UN Security Council.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- The protests strengthened - the Government's case...
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- ..and as they grew - in size and strength...
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- ..the authorities tried to stop - any further protests.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- Lu Yunfei's website, - 'The Patriotic Alliance'...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..was blocked without any warning.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- Thousands of people were sent - a message on their mobiles...
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- ..from the police station - telling them...
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- .."Do not spread tales.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- "Show your nationalism - in a sensible way.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- "Do not take part - in any illegal protests."
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- Evidently, people are allowed - to criticise...
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- ..but not allowed to protest...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- ..especially on the sacred land - of Tiananmen Square...
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- ..where it's traditional - for history to be created.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- As the new dawn of hope of 2008 - draws ever closer...
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- ..evidence of China's progress - is to be found far far away...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- ..from the metropolis of Beijing.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Election day in Hongzhuan. All the - villagers are in the school yard.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- The preparations are ongoing and - the party's head honchos are nearby.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- Before long, Mrs Lui will know - whether her flower power...
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- ..has succeeded against Mr Zhang, - the garlic farmer.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Everyone has great expectations - of this election.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- It's extremely important.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- My responsibility is to represent - the ordinary people.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- It doesn't satisfy - strict international standards...
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- ..and no-one takes advantage - of the private voting booth...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- ..but everyone is in good spirits.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- People are voting - and keeping an eye on the count.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Elections don't work as well - in every village across the country.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- At times, money changes hands.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- The voting can be one-sided - and there can be fighting.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- But this is the first generation to - have the right to vote on anything.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- That, in itself, is progress.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44- The result is...
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- ..Mr Zhang, 481...
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- ..Mrs Lui, 1,627.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Congratulations, Mrs Lui.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- The applause is enthusiastic - and warm for Mrs Lui...
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- ..but Zhao Hao Yu, the secretary - of the region's Communist Party...
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- ..throws a shadow over the events.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- With more than a billion people - in the country...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- ..will people vote - for a Prime Minister?
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Where is this going to happen?
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- We have massive differences...
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- ..in terms of education, - beliefs and cultures.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- How can you allow people - with just one tick...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- ..to elect our Prime Minister?
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- If there was a gold medal - for pragmatism...
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- ..the Chinese Communist Party - would win easily.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- When eastern European communist - parties lost their power...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- ..China's Government concluded - that political reforms...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- ..had taken precedence - over improving the economy.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- For this electoral system - to develop...
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- ..it must go hand in hand - with economic reform.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- With the government - showing more interest...
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- ..in the economy - than true democracy...
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- ..we'll have to wait and see - if elections are here to stay.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- For the Communist Politburo, keeping - everyone happy is quite a trick.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Can they keep everything in order? - Do they know where they are going?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- The first tentative steps? - Or the first concrete signs...
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- ..that the party - is adapting quickly enough...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..for a nation - that's gaining in confidence?
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- For Mrs Lui, - democracy is the only way forward.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- China's old culture isn't enough - for its present needs...
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- ..especially compared - to western countries.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- If there is more democracy, - there will be greater stability...
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- ..and our future - will be a brighter one.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- I hope Mrs Lui is right.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- And I hope that Chinese people - will find a democracy...
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- ..that they will be able - to define for themselves...
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- ..instead of following - the definition...
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- ..handed down by the Politburo...
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- ..or follow the sham democracy - of George Bush.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- A democracy that is based on social - fairness and freedom of speech.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- "Socialism with Chinese - characteristics"...
0:22:26 > 0:22:27- ..might not be the future.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- Rather, "democracy with - Chinese characteristics"...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- ..authorised by the Chinese - and the rest of the world...
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- ..in the 2008 Olympic Games.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- China needs an Olympic Games - that includes everyone...
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- ..rather than a celebration - of China's nationalism...
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- ..where coming first - means everything.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- Nationalism is fine - if it celebrates being unique...
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- ..whilst respecting that other - cultures can also be unique.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- China's transformation - has been amazing.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Now that I have reached - the end of my journey...
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- ..I hope the people will not - have to wait another century...
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- ..before they wake up democratic, - modern and free to their new dawn.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- But that's enough from me.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- I'll leave the rest - to the poet Ai Qing.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- "Faithful poet to time...
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- .."give us your message - of comfort to mankind.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- "Tell them to prepare to welcome me.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48- "Tell them to look towards the - horizon with their faithful eyes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- "I will shine upon those - who expect me with a tender light.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- "Tell all - that what they desire is coming."
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- S4C subtitles by Rh Sion Morgan