Shivermetimbers: Missile defense aside, I wonder where China stands on the Russian invasion right now. That this happened on the opening night of the Olympics was major – face is important to China. This was their event to remind the world of their rich history and how far they have come.

This event was major for them and the Russians spoiled it a bit.

I was thinking about that, too. I wonder if this was the price?

http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/china_russia_end_island_dispute