Chinese-Americans Speak Out On Games

Chinese-Americans are bursting with pride over hosting the Olympics, but many say they're hoping the Games will bring attention to the country's lack of religious freedom.

News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports people across the planet can't keep away from watching the Olympics. All the attention means a lot to China. It also means a lot to Chinese-Americans, especially Christian Chinese Americans who say they face religious persecution back home.

For them, the Olympics are not only about the spirit of competition, but about shedding light on some important issues.

The Lord's Prayer at the Tulsa Chinese Christian Church is said in an unfamiliar language in Oklahoma, but it's a familiar message no matter where you're from.

If you're from China, it's been one heck of a week.

"I was expecting something grand, but it was even grander than I thought," said Hank Lau, a member of the Tulsa Chinese Christian Church.

The fireworks at the opening ceremonies faded away last week, but the Chinese community in Tulsa is still bursting with pride.

"This is a good chance for the whole world to know more about China and for the Chinese people to know more about the world," said Hongping Jiang, Tulsa Chinese Christian Church.

Chinese-Americans say the games will bring attention a country that the West doesn't fully understand.

"China contributes a lot of things, in commerce, in technology. Also, you know, in financial things. So, China become stronger country," said Timothy Siswanto, Church Pastor.

At the Tulsa Chinese Christian Church, members hope the Olympics will bring exposure to a country that persecuted the religion for decades.

"Freedom of religion is still not practiced in China right now and Christianity is under government control," said Lau.

"Another big difference is when I was born, nobody can criticize the government. Now, people can criticize the government. Maybe not to the level of America, here what they do, but still, much more," said Jiang.

Born and raised in China, Hong-Ping Jiang has lived in Tulsa for 25 years. This is where he's raising his family.

For these Christians, Oklahoma is home, but it's not their heritage. That means mixed feelings.

"In the basketball game. LeBron or Yao?" Well, I have to pick LeBron, because he's a better player," said Lau.

"I'm a big fan of Yao Ming and the Houston rockets," said Jiang.

Hank Lau says China has a rapidly growing middle-class and a government bent on modernization.

"Beijing 10 years ago, you would see a lot of bikes on the road. But nowadays, I think, it's all replaced by automobile," said Lau.

And as the Olympics hit their stride in Beijing, the Chinese in Oklahoma are giving the thumbs up.

"I'm rooting for both. I'm Chinese-American," said Lau.

Chinese-Americans say their home country is becoming more open and democratic, but they're still struggling with issues like freedom of the press that we have here.

Some point out that because the two countries have such different cultures and different governments, they feel the best thing that can come out of this Olympics is a commitment to dialogue.