Some 300,000 people of Chinese origin in Panama have been closely following the Beijing Olympics and they are happy about its successful beginning, locally daily Dia a Dia reported on Sunday.

"The Olympic Games have generated full joy in the Chinese community in our country," said the newspaper.

Sergio Lay, a member of the Chinese Association of Panama, told Dia a Dia that he was proud of the Beijing Olympics because the gathering "shows a vigorous modern China to the world."

"For us, far (from China), here in Panama, we can even feel the splendor of the Games," he said, noting the opening ceremony presented an incredible combination of modern achievement with China's tradition.

The magic, colorful and wonderful celebration with fireworks was only a a small piece of the huge potential that China can display to amaze the world, Lay said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2008)