Taiwan has rejected the Olympic torch route planned for next year’s Beijing Games. Both Taiwan and Tibet, two countries who believe themselves to be independent from China, have been included in the domestic leg of the route.

Taiwan sees it as an attempt to undermine its sovereignty but China believes politics should be kept out of the Olympics.

Meanwhile, French presidential candidate Segolene Royal says she doesn't rule out a boycott of the Games because of China's stance over turmoil in the Sudan region of Darfur.