A neat Slate slide show of China 50 years ago.

Quoted: A unit of the People's Militia waits its turn at the daily morning drill. In the background, Tien An Men Palace, where the country's leaders stand to review patriotic parades, 1958.

This confirms what Sung was saying about how China's media is presenting the protests: 'Chinese state TV said the protesters in London and Paris were a "handful of Tibetan separatists".'

Quoted: Beijing says no force can stop the world relay of the Olympic flame as it faces new protests on the Californian leg.

A good Explainer from Slate detailing why China insists on maintaining a stronghold on Tibet...

Quoted: Tibet is a remote, impoverished mountain region with little arable land. Why does China care so much about keeping it?

I didn't realize that Chinese New Year celebrations had been so stifled by China's government.

Quoted: The government has banned many of the traditions associated with Chinese New Year—but the holiday may be staging a comeback.

Dang, Bush actually said, "America cannot look to the plight of the religiously oppressed and close their eyes or turn away.” Like I said, looks like George doesn't like to be bullied. I can't believe he went as far as to urge China to meet with the Dalai Lama - I gotta say, I'm pleased, even if it's only symbolic.

Quoted: President Bush, raising the ire of Beijing, on Wednesday called on China to welcome the Dalai Lama to the communist nation. The president called him a “universal symbol of peace and tolerance, a shepherd of the faithful and a keeper of the flame for his people.”