Japan's Intention to 'Skip Beijing Olympics'... China Criticizes as "Violation of Olympic Spirit"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reviewed troops at the Asaka garrison of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, on the 27th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Chinese government strongly condemned Japan's intention to boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized at a regular briefing on the 16th that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision not to attend the Beijing Olympics "violates the spirit of the Olympic Charter by politicizing sports."

He stated, "The Beijing Winter Olympics is a festival for winter Olympic athletes and winter sports enthusiasts worldwide," and "China is confident in hosting a concise, safe, and splendid Olympic celebration."

Earlier, Prime Minister Kishida responded at the House of Councillors (Upper House) Budget Committee meeting when asked about his attendance at the Beijing Winter Olympics, saying, "I do not plan to attend personally."

When further asked whether he thought it would be a good opportunity for a North Korea-Japan summit if North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un attended the Beijing Olympics, Kishida drew a line, saying it was a "separate issue."

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