There's an undeniable economic and cultural shift towards East Asia, and particularly China. Australians have to tear themselves away from the Anglo-European centric cultural position we've held since this young country's birth. Do we really need French in school? Don't quote me on this, but I've a hunch that learning Mandarin might get you further in your professional career.

But to change tack slightly... or quite significantly.

These days, every time I check out the BBC or SBS news there's another unhappy report being filed from China. With only weeks to go before the start of the Beijing Olympics they're still jamming the TV screens and airwaves. Images of earthquakes or Tibetan protestors or conflict in the predominantly Muslim Northwest are affecting my breathing like the smog-filled streets of Beijing, and tainting my otherwise boundless enthusiasm for the mighty Olympic Games.

You know what I really want to do?

I want to settle back on to my comfy sofa and take in the world's greatest show. I want to devour scores of jumbo sized bags of super nacho flavoured cornchips while watching the Mongolians take on Burkina Faso in the women's handball.

I want to see the grace, athleticism, victory, defeat, euphoria and heartbreak, like a modern day Shakespeare play in Speedos.

And I want to do this all without feeling guilty about enjoying these games as political, environmental and social problems beset the country.

And I think I can... Despite all these tragedies, China is quickly challenging the US as the world's leading economic power, and tens of millions are being lifted out of poverty. Wen Bo of the NGO Pacific Environment, a group that monitors environmental issues in the Pacific Rim, explains that China has invested billions of dollars into environmental initiatives, promising that the 2008 Olympics will be the greenest ever. Although China still faces countless acute ecological problems, it's undeniable that these Games have invigorated the nation's environmental movement.

The number of "Blue sky" days are increasing, say reporters in Beijing. I'm breathing a little easier...

True, during the Olympics, residents of Beijing will temporarily lose many of their new freedoms, so the Chinese government can project an image of a perfectly oiled machine to the rest of the world. Curbing the questionable habit of spitting in public places, I can understand. But stopping residents from wearing white socks with black shoes, although a clear fashion faux pas, is I think a tad extreme.

But fashion gaffes aside.

We mustn't forget that about one-sixth of the world's population live in China, a nation full of both ethnic and geological rifts. Like anywhere else, there's bound to be seismic activity - both culturally and environmentally. I'm not justifying the government's policies or trivialising the incomprehensible tragedy of the natural disasters in China. I do, however, understand that it's a story that's been repeated throughout history.

Although we must remain vigilant, and put pressure on China to improve its human rights' record, we can also allow them their time in the sun. And, as most people recognise, the sun is just rising over China.

As an Olympic host, China has finally been acknowledged as a major player in the global village. Personally I think this might be the best way to really open up the nation, so they can engage more freely in an international dialogue.

So, I've piled up the fluffy cushions, and allocated a spot for my cat in front of the TV. The beer is in the fridge and the nacho cornchips are waiting.

I'm going to try my best to enjoy a guilt-free Olympics.

Joel Katz