Why do they fret about China's rise?

If you thought the world sees China differently following the spectacular success of the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, think again.

True, for many who had only vague ideas about the country, that too ones colored by prejudiced reports, the Games were an eye-opener. Many, especially those who visited China during the event, honestly admitted the country isn't quite the kind of strange land they were made to believe it was.

But perceptions, like old habits, die hard. You simply couldn't expect all the cynics and China-haters to undergo a collective change of heart just because the Middle Kingdom hosted the Games so successfully.