Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel hopes the Beijing Olympics will be peaceful, the government press office said Friday as the opening ceremony got under way in the Chinese capital.

Merkel, who is not attending the ceremony, said the two-week extravaganza offered the chance for young athletes from all over the world to display their abilities in a fair and sporting manner.

At the same time she hoped China would "use this unique opportunity to present itself as an open-minded country."

Some 438 German athletes are taking part in the Games, which run until August 24.

NBA basketball star Dirk Nowitzki is the flag-bearer of the German squad at the opening ceremony in the National Stadium. (dpa)