Torch arrives in China

Today’s relay in Hong Kong gave China an opportunity to buffer its human rights image. Tens of thousands of people came out to cheer the torch relay on a rainy day and many wore red to express support for the torch. Authorities wanted to make sure Hong Kong’s leg of the relay restored Chinese pride and for the most part they succeeded and today’s relay ended without any major scuffles. Some activists came out to protest and one student said she wanted to take advantage of the freedoms of Hong Kong. But she and other protesters were swarmed by large groups of China supporters.