Lurking in the background as the world's finest athletes compete for gold medals will be the fact that China is ruled by an oppressive regime that doesn't tolerate any form of dissent.

This was seen two weeks ago as China brutally suppressed protests by Buddhist monks in Tibet. Tibetan exiles say 140 people were killed during the protests. The Chinese government claims eight people were killed.

Whatever figure is true, China doesn't look kindly upon protests or democracy. Its communist rulers wield an iron hand.

How should the world respond to China's acts? Some, including the French, say a boycott of the Olympics should be considered. The argument goes that participating in the summer games rewards China and gives its government legitimacy.

In our view, boycotts are futile. History has shown the only ones truly hurt by boycotts are the athletes, who have trained for years for their opportunity on the Olympic stage, which only comes every four years.

What was accomplished by President Carter's boycott of the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow? In reality, nothing. The games went on without the Americans.

Other boycotts have proved just as futile. It's the athletes, who have nothing to do with the world political scene, who are the ones who are punished, not the hosting country.

What is a better approach than a boycott is to use the Olympics as an opportunity to urge reform and freedom in China.

Most urgent is the situation in Tibet. President Bush and other world leaders must continue to urge China to meet with the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibet who has been exiled for 49 years.

The Dalai Lama has graciously proposed dialogue with Chinese leaders instead of violence. He has even said Tibetan independence efforts will be put on hold in exchange for a dialogue.

While boycotting the Olympics is the wrong move, standing up for the freedom of Tibetans and the Chinese people is right for world leaders.

World leaders should take their lead from the Dalai Lama and not punish the athletes. Instead, use the Olympics as leverage to open new avenues of discussion with the Chinese.