Olympic Torch Comes Home to Hong Kong

May 3, 2008— -- Last night, the Olympic torch arrived back on its home turf, mainland China, ending its tumultuous trip around the globe.

The torch, once a symbol only of the historic games, has now become a symbol of growing tensions between China and Tibet, with the rest of the world rallying behind Tibet.

This weekend, the torch came home to Hong Kong and got a break from the riots — only one "Free Tibet" protestor showed up and was quickly removed from the scene.

The torch has gained a dual meaning over its travels across the globe. For the Chinese, who are preparing to host the Olympic Games this summer, it has become a symbol of their growth as a country and their rising power throughout the world. For the Tibetans and their supporters worldwide, the torch has become something to rally against, a way to condemn the Chinese for their practices towards Tibet.

The torch has flown over 19 countries and across 5 continents, assisted by 20,000 people who have often had to change routes to avoid raging protestors. But in Hong Kong, China has simply barred activists from entering the city, keeping protests to a minimum.

"It just makes me wonder whether Hong Kong still has any room for, you know, people that have a kind of different view from the central government," said Christian Chan of Students for Free Tibet.

Despite mounting criticism and frustration from the rest of the world, China has maintained their policy toward Tibet will not change. In fact, Chinese nationalism has grown since the controversy erupted.

Soon, the torch will be taken to the very top of Mount Everest. But in all likelihood, scaling the world's largest mountain will be its most peaceful challenge yet.

Neal Karlinsky and Hanna Siegel contributed to this report.