Thousands protest to show support for China

More than 6,000 pro-China demonstrators took to Parliament Hill Sunday afternoon to show support for the Chinese government.

The demonstrators sang patriotic songs and waved flags to show support for a united China.

This is in the wake of the Chinese government's crack down on Tibetan protests and the ensuing calls for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics this summer.

Protesters said they want the world to take the politics out of the Olympics and accuse the media of supporting Tibetans while completely distorting the real situation in China.

Many say it was in fact Tibetans who initiated the violence with political protests, carefully plotted.

"What better time to tarnish China's image than at a political time like this? (Tibetan protesters) know that China wants a successful and peaceful Olympics. But they don't want that. They just want the world to focus on their little problem that should be solved," said Junior We from the Hill.

While China's human rights record has been harshly criticized, Prime Minister Harper announced this week that Canada will not boycott the Olympics.

"Lots of changes are happening, but to judge China and whether it's a perfect country for human rights, you have to look at their perspective," said Adam Wang from the rally.

However, Senator Consiglio Di Nino, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, released a statement disagreeing with comments that Tibetans being at fault.

"China's claim that Tibet is an internal matter, disputed by various authoritative opinions, is no excuse for oppression, denial of freedoms and rights which are universal values without borders. It is no excuse for denying fair trials for a thousand or more Tibetans who may face summary execution," he said.

But demonstrators maintain that the Olympics should not be about politics.

"We want friendship, we want peace. That's the spirit of the Olympics. Don't see the other side only," said Sally Chen.