THE games have begun. But medal tallies aside, there is a lot more to be said off the field. China has certainly spared no expense as they marked the opening of the Beijing Olympics. It is no coincidence that it took place on the 08/08/08 – an important number for the Chinese, symbolising wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness.

A brief snapshot on some of the commentaries seen and heard from various notable media in Melbourne and elsewhere:

Jonathan Watts from the guardian.co.uk reports from the streets of Beijing, on the pride of the nation’s people in Stronger, faster and better, and controversery and protest are pushed aside as tens of thousands, rich and poor, gather to share in the triumphal celebration of their country.

Meanwhile, Richard Williams reports on the opening ceremony – and what organisers showed, and didn’t show.

As Williams aptly puts it: “The ceremony that opened the 29th Olympic games last night outdid all of its predecessors in numbers, colour, noise and expense, demonstrating to the world that the new China intends to make its presence felt.”

But while Beijing’s Olympic facilities are intended to show that China is a modern country built on ancient foundations – “As is the way in China today, Mao Zedong was evident neither in word nor image; the only time you see him is when you pull out a banknote,” – William astutely points out.

And more recently, Nick Cohen seeks to lift the wool from his reader’s eyes in The Observer. Don’t be fooled, China hasn’t changed, he says.

The Oberserver has also done a marvellous job in a press round-up of The opening ceremony, what the world said.

In other areas, Lisa Martin from theage.com.au does a simple run-down for students on the issue of security and the internet in China in The great communications wall.