Beijing started a six-day public holiday from Friday for the APEC summit. Prior to this, the city had already implemented an odd-even license plate system to ease traffic congestion. Heavy polluters were ordered to shut, both within the capital and in its neighboring regions.
In the past few days, Beijing experienced good air quality and smooth traffic. Some people have dubbed these phenomena "APEC blue" and "APEC smooth." But reports said that from Saturday to Tuesday, the smog may return. If that happens, then so be it. Beijing, the host city, has tried its best to ensure good air quality during the summit, but there are no guarantees.
Beijing's efforts have generally been smooth. The public has shown their understanding of the temporary inconvenience brought by the license plate system. The dissatisfaction is not as much as Internet comments may lead people to believe.
Meanwhile, we have heard complaints about troubles caused by hosting international events. Such complaints should be seen as normal when one hosts an APEC summit.
Complaints about the APEC summit on the Internet are not a big deal. Indeed, there are people who do not like the Chinese tradition of showing hospitality to guests. Some even interpret it as having an underlying political meaning. Such debates reflect the new thoughts from a minority that there should be no preparation for big international events and the true face of China should be displayed.
But don't take these words seriously. Complaints could not be more common in the Internet era.
North China will learn precious lessons from these current smog reduction efforts and the result, which can be used effectively later. Nowadays, Chinese society is seldom united in achieving a particular goal. The joint efforts to curb smog are much more important than people's complaints.
The sky is blue and traffic is smooth. Although only for a short while, the country and its people can bear the price we had to pay. Those who are unwilling to accept government decisions should go beyond their habitual thinking and try to understand the logic behind the government's choice.
From the 2008 Olympic Games, the 2010 Shanghai Expo to the APEC summit this time, government preparations have attracted controversy every time.
Government and society should hold a normal state of mind toward these debates. The capability of organizing an international event is essential, but so is the attitude toward it. Nothing in society can win full public support.
The vital lesson to be learned is that things can be pushed forward, which will result in the advancement of the country. How China can sustain a blue sky will be one of the tougher challenges it faces in the post-APEC period.
