Thousands of Chinese students and scholars from 18 universities in the US have gathered at Virginia Tech to show their support for the Olympics.

By signing their names on this banner, they show their firm support for the Olympics.

By signing their names on this banner, they show their firm support for the Olympics.

This student says that although they can't go back to China right now, they want to join people at home in supporting the Olympics.

A Virginia tech teaching assistant said, "The American media haven't reported objectively on the Beijing Olympics. Through this event, we want to let more people know about China, understand our willingness for peace, and support the Olympics."

A Virginia tech student said, "We're holding this event to show our support for the Olympics and our country."

A Virginia tech student said, "We're holding this event to show our support for the Olympics and our country. It makes us angry to see the torch relay disrupted during its journeys through the Western countries, and the Western media's biased reports. We want to show the real China and the Olympics to Americans through this event."

A Virginia tech student said, "We want to use our own voice to tell the world what China is, what Beijing is. The Olympics has nothing to do with politics."

Some American students are also taking part.

The banner of signatures will go on display in June in Washington, and will be presented to the Beijing Olympic organizing committee.

The banner of signatures will go on display in June in Washington, and will be presented to the Beijing Olympic organizing committee.

(CCTV April 24, 2008)