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Olympic torch arrives in Macau
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Global
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By Agencies
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![The torch's return to China has given the Chinese people a chance to celebrate in relative peace [AFP]](http://mwcnews.net/images/stories/Asia/A/B/1/2/3/4/5/6/Macau-torch.jpg "The torch's return to China has given the Chinese people a chance to celebrate in relative peace [AFP]") | | The torch's return to China has given the Chinese people a chance to celebrate in relative peace [AFP] |
The Olympic flame has arrived in the Chinese gambling city of Macau after a smooth run through Hong Kong.
The weather in Macau is likely to be the biggest threat to the torch on Saturday, since the ruling Communist Party tolerates no opposition.
Meteorologists were expecting rain in the coming days.
Macau, for centuries a Portuguese-run enclave of China, returned to Beijing's control two years later.
It now takes more money than America's Las Vegas strip. Troubled TorchMarch 24 - Human rights protesters breach security to try to disrupt the torch-lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece March 30 - Tibet activists try to stop flame entering Athens stadium for handover to Chinese officials April 6 - Thousands of pro-Tibet protesters line relay route through London, scuffles break out with police and 35 are arrested April 7 – Flame extinguished at least twice during Paris relay, forcing the torch-carrier onto a bus to escape protesters April 9 - San Francisco abruptly changes torch route fearing clashes between pro-Tibet protesters and pro-China counter-protesters April 17 – New Delhi deploys 15,000 police and security guards during radically shortened relay through Indian capital. Dozens of Tibetan exiles arrested April 19 – 2,000 police protect Bangkok relay as crowd of about 200 China supporters taunt scores of pro-Tibet demonstrators
Authorities have beefed up security in China to ensure no such demonstrations.
Pro-China supporters waved flags and chanted "Go, go Beijing" as the torch made its way across Hong Kong on Friday.
There were also a few demonstrations that called for greater protection of human rights, democracy and religious freedom, drawing heavy criticism from the pro-China crowds.Hong Kong took a tough stance against any protesters, barring several people from overseas from entering the city.
Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Hong Kong and Macau now have wide-ranging autonomy.
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