Boycott dilemma

Political scientist Sergiusz Trzeciak noted that Tusk risked damaging future trade relations with China if other political leaders didn't follow his lead.

"We'll have to see to what extent [the boycott] will impact on Polish-Chinese economic relations," said Trzeciak. "It will certainly have a negative effect," he added, explaining that, "Chinese-Polish economic relations are growing, so right now it might not be the most important issue but it could affect future relations."

"It depends, however - if Poland is not alone in the boycott, it will be more difficult for China to punish Poland," Trzeciak said.

But it seems that Poland is becoming increasingly alone in its desire for a boycott. Czech President Vaclav Klaus and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have both refused invitations to the opening ceremony in protest of China's heavy handed approach to Tibet. Poland could find support from France, where French President Nicholas Sarkozy has also spoken of a boycott, but other major world players like the UK have ruled it out. Meanwhile, US President Bush had not declared his country's intentions as WBJ went to press.

Merkel's boycott could push others into abandoning the opening ceremony, but many politicians will be careful not to ruffle China's feathers since the country is still the EU's largest trade partner.