London 2012 : a Chinese charm offensive : a reputation rebuilt and an impression changed?

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

International Journal of the History of Sport

Publication Date

12-1-2013

Volume

30

Issue

15

First Page

1748

Last Page

1757

Keywords

Chinese athletes; the London 2012 Olympics; amiability; reputation; nationalist sentiment

Abstract

Displaying amiability (qinheli) was one of the duties of the Chinese athletes involved in the London 2012 Olympics. Why did the Chinese government ask them to behave in this way? How did the athletes carry out the mandate? Was their amiable performance intended to arouse nationalist sentiment among the Chinese? In response to these questions, two key political preoccupations of the Chinese authorities in the post London Olympics era are identified: remedying foreigners’ negative impressions of China, and gaining a greater input into the decision-making of the International Olympic Committee and its affiliated international sports federations. These objectives are shown to illustrate China’s intention to rebuild its international reputation and challenge the status quo of the international sporting community.

DOI

10.1080/09523367.2013.854777

Print ISSN

09523367

E-ISSN

17439035

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2013 Taylor & Francis

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Chu, M. P. (2013). London 2012: A Chinese charm offensive: A reputation rebuilt and an impression changed? International Journal of the History of Sport, 30(15), 1748-1757. doi: 10.1080/09523367.2013.854777

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