Olympic Stamps – China Takes Control

Stamps are very rarely deemed as a controversial subject, but problems have arisen over stamps prepared for the Beijing Olympics, which are due to start on the 8th August 2008.

The problems arise, as the Chinese Government, has taken the decision that they want to personally authorise all stamps released across the world for the Beijing Olympics. The legality of this is still being debated, and so far seems to have no legal basis!

Many countries have spoken out against China’s appalling Human rights laws, to the extent that many athletes have been asked to sign contracts stating that they will not speak out against China whilst competing in the games. China has therefore decided that all stamps must be authorised by their experts to ensure they do not “contradict the ethics of the country.”

Legally, China cannot do much to affect the release of stamps from other countries, apart from apply diplomatic pressure. They do however own the copyright on the Beijing Olympic logo, over which they have full control. The stamps could still be issued, without this logo, but would instead be able to use the official Olympic logo, which is not owned by any country.

The whole issue of China’s control over these issues seems to be being hushed up by all the authorities, and nobody except China has made any statements. It will be interesting, in the run up to the Olympics, to see which countries use which logo’s!

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