Olympic Torch Canberra

Guide Note

The Olympic Torch Relay passed through the capital of Australia, Canberra, on April 24, 2008. Security was a major concern for this leg of the relay as large scale Tibetan Independence demonstrations were expected. Seven people were arrested during the event, which was described as "rowdy", as thousands of pro-Chinese demonstrators faced off against Tibetan Independence activists.

A group of security agents from China accompanied the torch on its route in Australia. There was much debate as to the exact role these officers would play in the event. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had stated that the agents would be required to retreat at the first sign of hostility and that their role was simply to light and extinguish the torch as needed. On April 23, 2008, Chinese officials defied this statement and announced that agents would use physical force to defend the torch if necessary. In the end, television coverage captured Australian and Chinese security forces jostling for position, with Australian police physically pulling Chinese agents back from torch runners.

A three foot high security fence was constructed along the planned torch route, which had been shortened over security concerns. Hundreds of police were deployed to help control the event.

Fast Facts

1. Event took place April 24, 2008
2. Followed a route through Canberra, the capital of Australia
3. Australia is China's largest trade partner
4. Kevin Rudd is the only leader of a Western country that speaks Mandarin
5. Kevin Rudd was not in attendance of the event, but stated this was not meant to be a snub to China