Chinese workers removing the giant 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch from the roof of the National stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, in Beijing last Sunday. China’s most famous film director, Zhang Yimou, who directed both Beijing Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, said only Chinese performers were skilled, disciplined and obedient enough to lay on the sort of song and dance display, and no western countries will ever match the success because trade unions would never allow it.