SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said China could have better handled criticism of its actions in Tibet.

Reporters were ejected from Tibet following the outbreak of rioting in March.

"Had they engaged the west, all this would have turned out differently," said Mr Lee, speaking in a Bloomberg Television interview. "Why didn't they? Because there was a chasm between their mental makeup and that of the west. So they say all western correspondents out, that means you've got something to hide. I think that was not very wise."

Mr Lee said the Chinese should learn to "take the western media on the western media's terms".

If protesters get into the Olympic stadiums waving "Free Tibet" banners, China should shrug it off, he said.

"If I were them I would expect that and say 'so what?'" Mr Lee added. "Unfortunately they are still in the old set way they react, but they're learning."

Referring to the anti-Chinese protests along the Olympic torch relay, he said: "At the end of the day, the people who matter will know that they are dealing with a very determined China and a China with the people solidly behind the Olympics and fiercely resentful of this putdown."

Mr Lee also said China's air quality will meet world standards in time for the Olympics, based on the country's past efforts to clear the air for landmark events.

Recalling a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in Beijing in 1999, Mr Lee said he was surprised at the clearness of the sky, a consequence of city officials shutting factories for two weeks.

Mr Lee, who has visited China at least once a year since 1976, said he and other Asian leaders will attend the Olympics opening ceremony "as there is no reason for them to offend the Chinese". - TODAY/ar