We knew this could potentially be a tough year for China politically. With the Olympics due in August, everybody with any pet complaint about China feels emboldened to let the world know about it.

Darfur is hardly a "pet complaint", as it involves genocide which many critics feel China is at least partially responsible for. And those critics have been pressuring Steven Spielberg to withdraw his support from the opening ceremonies. It's been rumored that he was considering bowing to this request, and now he's made it official:

"I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with business as usual," Spielberg said. "At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies but doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur."

"Sudan's government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these ongoing crimes, but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more to end the continuing suffering there," Spielberg said in his statement. "China's economic, military and diplomatic ties to the government of Sudan continue to provide it with the opportunity and obligation to press for change."

China's Olympics are sitting on the head of a pin. What the government must fear most is that these acts of defiance will gain momentum, leading to more widespread withdrawals and perhaps even a boycott (although a boycott is extreme, and unlikely). Keeping a low profile and avoiding early discord will be key to keeping critics at bay.

The more people like Spielberg make a big show of their opposition, the more others will feel more confident in making their own stand.