The 2008 Olympic flame was ignited on March 24 in Olympia, Greece, and was handed over to Beijing on March 31 after a six-day relay in that country. The 130 day torch relay will cover 137,000 kilometers before the flame returns to Beijing and enters the National Stadium on Aug. 8 for the Olympics' opening ceremony.
A total of 21,880 torch bearers will participate in the unprecedented relay, which is held under the theme of "Journey of Harmony".
"The torch belongs to both China and the world. Any disruption attempt would face world condemnation," said a netizen.
"Why don't they let us joyfully watch an Olympic party of our own when the developing China hopes to show itself on such a world stage," he asked.
"Dalai Clique, please don't hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and don't sabotage a world sports party the Chinese people have dreamed for long," a netizen wrote.
"Although China is currently under various trials and hosting the Olympic Games has met various difficulties, the country is developing fast. We firmly believe the Beijing Olympics will be a great sports party for the whole of mankind," he wrote.
(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2008)