Veteran China experts caution that an attempt to prick Beijing’s pride at this point in time runs the danger of fuelling its ire and could promote radical nationalism instead of integrating it with the global community. Instead, sustained diplomatic pressure, although slower in producing results, could be the way forward, they say.

Qu Yingpu, the deputy editor-in-chief of the popular English newspaper, China Daily, and a spokesman for the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, said as much in a column on Tuesday.

The Olympic spirit of peace and unity was “hijacked” by protests against the torch relay in London and Paris and “local media hype” there worsened the situation, he said.

“I am worried the consequences...won’t be helpful. The question then becomes: Will this sow seeds of hatred? It’s easier to hurt than to heal, and it takes far less time.”