Aug 08 2008
8-8-08, or Fathers and Sons
August 8, 2008 has finally come. This auspicious date (eight is a lucky number in China) was chosen seven years ago to be the official opening day for the Beijing Olympic Games. In fact, to maximize the good fortune, the opening ceremony began at 8:00pm.
Interior of the new embassy
“8-8-08” is also marked by the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Beijing. At $434 million, it is the second most expensive building US State Department has constructed overseas, behind only the Baghdad embassy compound, in which all embassy personnel live. In order to “out-Chinese” the Chinese, the ceremony began promptly at 8:08am.
Ambassador Clark T. Randt (full disclosure: my dad) delivered the opening remarks, but quickly turned the podium over to former President George H.W. Bush. Father then passed of to son as the current President George Bush took the microphone. State Councilor and Deputy Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo concluded with his thoughts on the major developments in Sino-US relations since Washington recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1972. Each also honored Dr. Henry Kissinger, who was in attendance with his family, for orchestrating Nixon’s historic meeting with Mao Zedong 36 years ago.
The younger Bush did not pull any punches in continuing his recent criticism of the Chinese government. In his words:
“We’ll continue to be candid about our mutual global responsibilities. We must work together to protect the environment and help people in the developing world; continue to be candid about our belief that all people should have the freedom to say what they think and worship as they choose. We strongly believe societies which allow the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful.”
While the timing of the embassy’s opening might suggest a close and harmonious relationship with China, Bush’s words demonstrate that the U.S. is not complacent about what we see as China’s shortcomings. For better or worse, China is unlikely to enjoy the apolitical Olympic Games for which it hoped. (Video of Bush speaking at the embassy: bush-speaking-at-embassy)
And of course, the Olympics were at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. President Bush joked that he would have enjoyed the opportunity to compete in the new BMX events, but that Laura reminded him, “They don’t give any medals for last place.”
Entertainment for the event was provided by the Red Poppies, an all-female Chinese drum corps in black jackboots, and The Gatlin Brothers, a country trio from Odessa, TX., and favorites of the President. The Gatlin Brothers performed a patriotic new song entitled, “Americans, That’s Who.”
All told, August 8, 2008, and the Olympic period, began auspiciously and in good humor for Team USA.
My father speaking