U.S. Chinese hope Games lift homeland wealth and image

By Ritsuko Ando

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chinese communities in America hope the Olympics will boost economic growth in their homeland and help it open more to the rest of the world, but many expect to see little of the Games because they are working so hard.

Frank Lin, a 50-year-old who moved to New York from Guangzhou 30 years ago, said the Games will help expose China's 1.3 billion people to the international community and ideas like democracy and free speech.

"The most important thing is that people are forced to open up to the world and accept different ideas," he said, between helping customers in a Chinatown store selling traditional medicinal herbs.

"It's good, not only for sports but for human rights and freedom of speech," he said.

Not everyone in the neighbourhood was as forthcoming on political issues. Many declined comment on controversial topics like Tibet and censorship, but most said the Games will likely help speed up reforms and improve China's image abroad.

"It's good for the economy. And more people here will get to know China, and that's good," said Fen Huang, a 35-year-old cashier at a store on Mott Street, a busy lane of dim sum restaurants, vegetable stalls, and shops selling martial arts shoes and various Chinoiserie.

"It's very exciting. We'll be cheering for China of course," she said.

The Games are expected to be a showcase for China's modernization and economic prowess, and come as much of the developing world grapples with slower business activity.