| GEO World | | Olympic torch reaches Hainan | Updated at: 1227 PST, Tuesday, May 06, 2008
HAINAN: The Olympic torch began a three-month relay through the major cities of China in a protest-free celebration of patriotism and revelry.
The first leg of the relay, in Hainan province just off the mainland's southern rim.
The celebrations here dramatized anew how the Beijing Games have become infused with defensive Chinese nationalism at a time when the government's policies are under attack.
The explosion of national pride was encouraged by the government's mobilization of students and workers, which included time off from classrooms and offices.
Beneath the government organization, however, there seemed to be a sincere desire to display support for China's role as Olympic host.
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