If Beijing plays host to the 2008 Olympic Games, Taiwan would allow the Olympic torch to pass through the island as long as Beijing doesn't politicize the event, a Taiwanese Olympic official said yesterday.
"The Olympic torch carries with it a message of peace," said Wu Ching-kuo (吳京國), a Taiwanese member of the International Olympic Committee.
"It [the torch relay] might make everybody happy," Wu added.
Earlier yesterday in Beijing, the city's vice mayor, Liu Jingmin (劉敬民), said China has not decided whether Taiwan would be allowed to help with the Olympic Games.
"I think that recently the Taiwanese people have been very enthusiastic about Beijing's bid," Liu said.
"There have also been people who suggested that some events be held jointly with Taiwan. At present, we still haven't considered this issue," Liu said.
This week, Olympic officials are inspecting Beijing's sports facilities, infrastructure and plans for holding the Olympics.
Wu declined to say whether he would vote in July for Beijing's bid for the Olympics. Other possible sites include Toronto, Paris, Osaka and Istanbul.
But Wu said that Olympic officials had hoped the Games could bring peaceful development and democratic changes in the host countries. Beijing appeared a favored choice because many IOC members care more about whether the Games could be held successfully and less about the host country's human rights record, Wu said.
Taiwan has accused China of politicizing sports events. But many Taiwanese now support Beijing's bid for the 2008 Games, noting that China would be compelled to improve its international image and back away from its military threats against Taiwan.
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