The Day After the US-China Talks... "US Considering Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Olympics"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] A report emerged that the United States might diplomatically boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics next year, just one day after the first summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded.

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 16th (local time), citing sources, that neither President Biden nor any cabinet members are expected to attend the Beijing Olympics, and that the White House is considering this option.

This is understood as a warning against the Chinese government's human rights abuses occurring in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and elsewhere.

A diplomatic boycott means sending Olympic athletes but not dispatching official delegations.

Although no final decision has been made, government officials said that an official recommendation has already been delivered to President Biden, and the policy is expected to be finalized within this month.

The Biden administration has distanced this decision from the U.S.-China summit held the previous day, but WP analyzed that since the two countries have safely passed a critical turning point in their relationship, it is relatively easier to clarify their stance.

While a minimum consensus was formed between the two countries to avoid the worst conflict, they drew a line at the possibility of a full Olympic boycott, which would exacerbate the deterioration of relations. Instead, it is interpreted that they chose a diplomatic boycott as a compromise to warn the Chinese government.

The Biden administration plans to inform allied countries of the diplomatic boycott policy for the Beijing Winter Olympics, while leaving the decision on whether to join the boycott to each country's discretion.

However, from President Xi's perspective, it is uncertain how he will perceive the diplomatic boycott policy if it is actually confirmed.

Previously, members of both the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. have continuously urged the Biden administration to diplomatically boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics.

During the summit held the previous day, President Biden and President Xi engaged in over three hours of dialogue on sensitive issues, including the Taiwan matter.

Amid worsening bilateral relations, cautious evaluations suggest that this summit marked a step forward in improving relations.

Although the Beijing Olympics itself was not discussed during the talks, concerns about human rights issues were reportedly raised.

The White House stated in a press release on the summit that President Biden raised broad concerns, including human rights issues, regarding actions taking place in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.

A senior official said, "Human rights issues were mentioned multiple times," adding, "President Biden took a frank and clear stance on human rights issues and expressed concern about China’s attempts to change the 'rules of the road' in ways that violate international norms."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

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