The Olympic torch that has witnessed powerful protests during its relay by Tibetans and their supporters in France, San Francisco and other places, finally landed in Australia on Wednesday on 23rd April, amid tight security. A Chinese aeroplane carrying the flame landed in the capital Canberra after completing a six-hour long flight from Jakarta. It was receieved by very few people, which included Australian and Chinese officials.  

 

In order to dissuade attempts of distorting the Olympic flame event in Australia by anti-China protestors, the route of the relay has been cut down from 20 to 16 km. A steel barricade that covers Australian Parliament House and extends up to the War Memorial has been put up. Similar barricades have also been put up on many of the city's arterial roads in anticipation of the protests.

 

The police in Australia have even arrested some protestors on Wednesday, 23 April on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is believed that they were trying to unfurl a banner. On the other hand, Zhang Junsai who is the Chinese envoy in Australia fueled the controversy pertaining to the 'torch attendants' by saying that the Chinese officials will ‘use their bodies' to protect the flame.