The Olympic torch has reached Hong Kong this week, and the pro-Tibetan protests became less felt. The event, which involved 120 runners, tool place without major incidents, except for some protesters who were clearly outnumbered by police force and Chinese flag wearers.

The torch has clearly entered familiar territory for the first time in its journey. So far, the tradition of the Olympic torch relay has been overshadowed by protests in major cities such as Paris, London or San Francisco, as a response to China’s attitude towards the situation in Tibet.

The police has been on alert ever since rumors of boycott started to appear, and this year’s Olympic Games became controversial before they even started. China has been preparing intensely for the Olympic Games, as they want everything to go perfect for the August opening.

Hong Kong showed much support for the torch, and less tolerance for the protesters. However, there were only peaceful demonstrations, unlike Paris or London, where protesters almost managed to steal the torch.

Over one month ago, Chinese authorities closed the Tiananmen Square to all but the 5,000 official guests the night before the relay ceremony, amid protests from all corners of the world and talks of a possible boycott.

Around 3,000 policemen secured the torch’s journey in the former British territory of Hong Kong. This time, they only had to deal with a handful of protesters. Many people attended the ceremony after being given the day off.

At the same time with the torch ceremony, but in no connection to it, actress Mia Farrow held a speech near Hong Kong’s government headquarters, urging Chinese authorities to stop the violence in the Darfur region.