Following the US, the UK also considers a 'diplomatic boycott' of China's Beijing Winter Olympics

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Following the United States, the United Kingdom is also reportedly considering a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics scheduled for February next year, according to The Times and other British media on the 20th. A diplomatic boycott of the Olympics means sending athletes to the Games but not dispatching any delegations composed of government or political officials.

Foreign media reported that active discussions are currently underway within the UK government regarding a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The outlet also reported that Liz Truss, the UK Foreign Secretary, is known to support a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

On the other hand, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be taking a relatively cautious stance. Johnson had previously stated that there would be no full boycott, including the withdrawal of athletes. Accordingly, the media added that within the UK government, a plan is being considered where Johnson would not attend, and only Caroline Wilson, the UK Ambassador to China, would participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Earlier, the UK House of Commons unanimously adopted a resolution in July urging a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics after allegations of human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet were raised. Five Conservative Party politicians in the UK, who faced sanctions from the Chinese government after criticizing China's human rights issues, also sent a letter to Prime Minister Johnson demanding a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Previously, US President Joe Biden said on the 18th at the White House, when a reporter covering his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked if he supported a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, "It is something we are considering." White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki explained that the review of a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics is due to concerns over human rights practices in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

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