DESPITE the massive hype that has accompanied Beijing's bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games, the Chinese Government has decreed that, win or lose, there will be no spontaneous demonstrations after this morning's decision. Beijing residents have been ordered by their work units to stay off the streets and refrain from letting off firecrackers. Police were located at all major junctions and increased traffic patrols were in evidence last night. As an added incentive to stay home, state-run Central Television (CCTV), which is broadcasting the crucial vote live, has hired one of China's best-known comics Hou Yaowen to keep audiences entertained whatever the result. Official newspapers have also been full of articles pointing out that there are no losers in the Olympic race, only winners. Just about the only officially sanctioned parties were at the campuses of three major universities, although access to these events was limited strictly to students of the university. The parties at Beijing, Qinghua and the Teacher's University were closely watched by campus security to make sure nothing got out of hand. Students at China's most prestigeous college Beijing University said the authorities were nervous that protests might occur should Beijing lose. The Government appears determined to keep a firm grip on the situation after the vote, just as it has done throughout its three-year campaign to win the Games. ''The Government wants to claim all the credit for a successful bid and be in position to stage-manage a response if it loses. There will be no room for individuals to voice an opinion,'' a Western diplomat said. But despite the Government's exhaustive precautions, most people in Beijing interviewed by the South China Morning Post over the past week were indifferent to the outcome. ''To be honest, I don't care any more, it's gone on too long already,'' a young office worker said. The majority of those surveyed said they supported the bid but could not work up much enthusiasm for the campaign any more. ''Of course I hope we win and I will watch the result on television but after that I will go straight to bed,'' a private businessman said. Others were even less motivated: ''I'll hear about in the morning,'' a middle-aged worker said.
