Amid the Growing Beijing Boycott... Government Emphasizes "Role as Immediate Previous Host"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Amid diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Olympics led by the United States and its allies, the South Korean government has stated that it is "not considering a boycott." Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, appeared to lean toward "not participating in the boycott," saying he would "act as the immediate past host country."

On the morning of the 9th, Vice Minister Choi appeared on TBS's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" and stated, "We have not made any decisions regarding the Beijing Olympics," emphasizing this point.

Following the United States, security alliance AUKUS countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as 'Five Eyes' countries including Canada and New Zealand, have announced their participation in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics. It is also reported that Japan, the immediate past Olympic host, is considering joining the boycott.

Regarding the ongoing diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Olympics by various countries, Vice Minister Choi said, "The athletes must feel very lonely," and added, "We intend to fulfill our role as the immediate past host country." He also remarked, "The Northeast Asia relay Winter Olympics, spanning Pyeongchang, Tokyo, and Beijing, is quite meaningful." This can be interpreted as the government leaning toward not joining the boycott of the Beijing Olympics.

The Blue House has also stated that it has never considered boycotting the Beijing Olympics. On the 8th, a Blue House official said, "No decision has been made yet regarding our government's participation," but added, "We are not considering a boycott of the Beijing Olympics."

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in will attend the "Summit for Democracy," hosted by President Biden, via video conference in the afternoon. At this event, President Moon is expected to share South Korea's democratic achievements and outline efforts to promote democracy in the international community. Attention is focused on whether President Moon will deliver any messages related to China, given the strong intent of this meeting to counter non-democratic countries such as China and Russia.

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