Scrapping the event would be regarded by China as a snub, but a compromise could involve the torch being carried along a very short route or in an enclosed environment such as an open-top bus.

• 如此处理这次活动可能会被中国视为怠慢，但是组织这次周末活动的伦敦官方称其收到了一个关于第二次火炬接力的“非正式提议”。