In Response to US-UK Olympic Boycott Consideration... China Retaliates Against the "Politicization of Sports"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the United States and the United Kingdom consider a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics next year, China is countering through a public opinion campaign.

According to the Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee on the 22nd, the committee will conduct a press tour for domestic and international journalists starting this week in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. Test events for disciplines such as snowboarding, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing will be held in Zhangjiakou.

While introducing the Olympic preparation status to journalists based in Beijing, the committee plans to open venues and the athletes' village and explain the COVID-19 prevention measures.

Promotion efforts are also being strengthened abroad. The Chinese Embassy in Turkey held an online Winter Olympics promotional event last weekend, introducing China’s plan to host the Olympics based on the principles of green, low carbon, and sustainability.

On the other hand, regarding the Western boycott movement, China is sharply criticizing it as the "politicization of sports." The English edition of the state-run media Global Times stated on the same day that "no matter how much Western politicians attack, they will not be able to block the light of the Winter Olympics."

It added, "Using the Winter Olympics to attack China is politicizing the Olympics and undermining the Olympic spirit," emphasizing that "although some Western politicians and anti-China forces are doing so, the Beijing Winter Olympics will leave a deep impression on the world."

The United States and the United Kingdom are considering a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A diplomatic boycott of the Olympics means sending athletes but not dispatching delegations composed of government or political officials, which has been customary.

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