In case anyone is curious, I've compiled a table that shows the number of medals China has won in past Olympics, along with their ranking. It appears that China either did not compete or was not competitive before 1984.
| Year | Rank | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 2004 | 2 | 32 | 17 | 14 | 63 |
| 2000 | 3 | 28 | 16 | 15 | 59 |
| 1996 | 4 | 16 | 22 | 12 | 50 |
| 1992 | 4 | 16 | 22 | 16 | 54 |
| 1988 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 12 | 28 |
| 1984 | 4 | 15 | 8 | 9 | 32 |
Considering the performance of American athletes at the 1984 Olympics, China's medal count (so far) in 2008 isn't so far out of line that one must suspect them of widespread cheating. (Other than in women's gymnastics, anyway.)
