A Chinese association based in Washington wants the Olympic Games cancelled, in the wake of Monday's earthquake in China's Sichuan province.

The death toll now stands at almost 15,000 people, affecting seven Chinese provinces. But many believe the toll is as high as 40,000 missing or dead.

President of the Overseas Chinese Democracy Coalition, Wei Jingsheng, wants the international community to support his call for cancellation of the Games, or, at the very least, the opening ceremony.

He says the world should not be celebrating, while thousands of people are dead, dying or homeless.

"People have died for more than 10,000 now and then there are millions of people living on the street without proper shelter," he said.

"So to have such a scale of celebration it's not only a disgrace to the people who have died but as well, disrespect for the living ones."

But he says the Government seems more intent on saving face.

"Because they want to make themselves look good, but also for the security to keep their government going," he said.

"However on the other side there is the issue of Chinese Government already spent ... tens of billions of American dollars."