CANBERRA – Hundreds of Chinese students were bussed into Canberra today to support the Olympic torch relay as it made its way through the Australian capital city.
Flag-waving pro-China supporters heavily outnumbered other spectators, including those protesting China’s involvement in Tibet.
There were scuffles between pro-Tibet protesters and China supporters at the start of the relay but a huge security presence prevented the ugly incidents that have marred the torch’s progress around the world.
The BBC reported that two Australian police officers pulled two Chinese guards trying to run with the torch away from their positions alongside the torchbearers.
Organisers shortened the route amid security fears and abandoned plans to run the flame past the Chinese embassy, fearing it could become a flashpoint for protests.
Pro-Tibetan campaigners held a candle-lit vigil outside the embassy ahead of the relay.
