If all politics is local, the Olympic torch relay should be a triumph for the Chinese government. After all, there is nothing more certain to get Chinese backs up than the kind of protests against the flame’s passage through London, Paris and San Francisco in recent days.

Such demonstrations enhance rather than diminish support for a government rallying to defend itself against what it depicts as an affront to China’s pride and dignity. The same goes for any form of boycott of the Games themselves in August, be it of the opening ceremony or other events.