China Reacts to EU's Beijing Olympics Boycott Resolution as "Interference in Internal Affairs"

"Politically Motivated Disruption of Beijing Olympics Is an Irresponsible Act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] On the 8th (local time), the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics in response to the forced closure of Hong Kong's anti-China media outlet Apple Daily and the infringement of freedoms in Hong Kong society. China strongly opposed this, demanding non-interference in its internal affairs.

On the same day, a spokesperson for the Chinese delegation to the European Union (EU) responded to a reporter's question regarding this matter, stating, "This resolution by the European Parliament distorts black and white and violates the basic rules of international relations," adding, "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to interference in its internal affairs."

The spokesperson pointed out that China opposes the politicization of sports, saying, "It is very irresponsible to interfere with, obstruct, and sabotage the preparation and hosting of the Beijing Olympics with political motives, which harms athletes from various countries and the International Olympic Committee (IOC)."

He added, "The IOC and various sectors of the international community, including many countries, have clearly opposed such wrongful acts."

The spokesperson also claimed that one year after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law), the rule of law in Hong Kong has been restored and normalization is accelerating, stating, "Hong Kong police strictly enforce the law against individuals and companies that undermine national security, which has nothing to do with freedom of the press."

He warned, "Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests in its internal affairs is firm," adding, "Any attempt by forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs will not succeed, and those who incite sanctions will end up shooting themselves in the foot."

Chinese President Xi Jinping (center) visited the National Alpine Ski Center in Yanqing District, Beijing, the capital, on the 18th to receive a report on the preparations for the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, in the resolution adopted on the 8th, the European Parliament urged EU institutions and member states to refuse invitations for government delegations or diplomats to attend the Beijing Olympics unless the Chinese government proves improvements allowing verification of human rights situations in Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The resolution strongly criticized the forced closure of Hong Kong's anti-China media outlet Apple Daily.

Members of Parliament criticized the closure of Apple Daily as "another measure by Chinese authorities to dismantle Hong Kong's free society and eradicate freedom of the press and expression."

The resolution called on EU member states to sanction individuals and organizations responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong and demanded that China repeal the Hong Kong National Security Law.

It also welcomed the immigration opportunities provided to Hong Kong citizens by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, urging EU member states to cooperate in the immigration of Hong Kong democracy activists and political leaders.

The resolution was supported by 578 members, opposed by 29, and 73 abstained.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.