China risks missing an opportunity to address its grimmest problems as Beijing goes all out to host the Olympics, a former senior Communist Party official has warned.
Bao Tong , a senior aide to purged party chief Zhao Ziyang , also said those hoping for a shift towards a more open China would be disappointed because the government had tightened its grip on dissenting voices to push for a 'splendid coming-out party'.
'The Communist Party is gambling on hosting a successful Olympic Games, and I think they will succeed because they are very determined,' Mr Bao said.
'But this is a very stupid choice for the Chinese people, who have paid a tremendous price for the Games.'
The sporting spectacular has long been treated as China's chance to show off its rising power to the world.
To make sure athletes, tourists and world leaders are greeted by a new Beijing, the central government has spent tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure and facelift projects.