2008 Olympics - Not in China?

Beijing may not have hosted the 2008 Olympics.

In 2001, Congress proposed a bill against the Beijing Olympics due to issues with China’s human rights.

So how did China keep the bid going? One word: Guanxi.

Guanxi – personal networking built around an exchange of favors.

Sheldon Adelsen 3^rd Richest American in the World.
Opposes peace negotiations in the Middle East.
Finances the Bush Administration.

Adelsen wanted to build Casinos in Macau (a region of China) to make it the “Las Vegas” of Asia.

The Chinese government helped him secure rights.

Liu Qi (Mayor of Beijing): Can you help us with the Olympics?
Adelson (Rich Guy): I’ll make a few calls.

Tom DeLay had his Fourth of July Barbecue interrupted with a phone call.

Tom DeLay (Congressman): You tell your mayor, it can be assured that this bill will never see the light of day.

Guanxi.