China's top diplomat told the country's Olympic athletes to behave in a "modest and unassuming" way in London, state media reported yesterday, as the country tries to manage expectations for a team which topped the medals table in Beijing in 2008.

China's flag-bearer Yi Jianlian, center, holds the national flag as he leads the Chinese contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London, July 27, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

When the Beijing Games ended, China had earned 51 golds, leapfrogging the United States' 36 golds and topping the medals table for the first time.

With all eyes on whether China will be able to repeat that feat in London, State Councillor Dai Bingguo, China's top diplomat and the government's representative at the opening ceremony, sought to temper emotions.

"We are still a developing country and should keep a modest and prudent attitude even though China is becoming more and more globally influential," Xinhua news agency cited Dai as telling the Chinese team in London.

"We are considered a big sporting country but we are still not a sporting giant. There are still gaps between China and global sports giants in many aspects," he added.

"We must be modest and unassuming in learning from other countries and continue to raise our athletic abilities."

Chinese officials have been keen to put the London Games into perspective, pointing out the lack of home advantage, the different food and the fielding of some new and untested athletes.