The Olympics beyond Beijing -- speculation on the next Chinese host

When is it too soon to start talking about upcoming bids to host the Olympic games in China? Well, now is as good a time as any.

Zhongnanhai has learned that the Chinese government is already working behind the scenes on plans to secure the Olympics for the city of Shanghai. This correspondent has often pondered that hosting the winter games, perhaps in Dalian, Jilin, or Haerbin, would make sense. But apparently China wants the summer games again, and believes Shanghai would make an ideal host.

One could hardly disagree with the assessment. Shanghai has a long history of hosting world-class events, from the Formula One race to the Master's Tennis tournament. It already boasts two large football stadiums and the largest underground transportation network in China. It is already an international metropolis with world class hotels, shopping, and sightseeing. Compared to Beijing, Shanghai wouldn't have as far to go, in terms of development, to host the games.

The plan is to have the games in Shanghai within 20 years, so we'll have a bit of a wait yet. This correspondent sees no reason why it won't happen.