As of today, May 4, the Olympic torch has not officially reached the summit. I reported a couple days ago that the PeakFreaks website had claimed that the torch had reached the summit of Mount Everest. Now Chinese authorities are saying, No way. They claim that the climbing team was simply continuing to fix ropes toward the summit. They also said false news reports were being given, some from climbers at base camp on the Nepalese south side of Everest, and that possible retaliatory action against these reports could include the “banning of climbers” as well as “a few more days of waiting at base camp.” EverestNews notes: “Published reports from a climber that the Chinese summited a couple of day ago and had trouble with the torch has some Chinese mad as heck….”

Part of the pact with the devil that Everest south side expeditions had this year was to agree to follow stringent rules established by Nepal, under pressure from China. These included a ban on cell and satellite phones, video and film cameras, and computers so that no reporting could take place. All outside communications to expedition websites has to be approved by Nepalese authorities. This makes any sort of accurate reportage from Everest base camp very difficult, so lots of rumors are going to arise because we’re interested in this ascent of Everest.

The ban also included any language or reporting about China, Tibet, the current unrest between the two, and even mention of the word Tibet. Violation of the rules means expulsion from base camp as well as being banned from climbing the mountain, which already happened to American William Brant Holland, who sinned by having a “Free Tibet” flag in his pack.

It seems somewhat absurd that this level of secrecy surrounds what should be a joyous celebratory occasion—the Olympic torch atop the world. Is the Chinese government that insecure of itself that it stifles not only free speech and rational discussion, but also relegates the unifying symbol of the Olympic torch, which belongs to all nations of the earth, to being simply a tool for propaganda?

Suggested Reading:
Highest Mountains in the World
Mt. Everest: World's Highest Peak