Japan's Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Olympics: "No Plans to Send Government Delegation"

Matsuno Hirokazu, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Japan officially declared a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, scheduled for February next year, on the 24th.

According to Kyodo News and others, Hirokazu Matsuno, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Office that "the government does not plan to send a delegation to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno explained that Japan has conveyed this position directly to China through various channels, stating, "We believe it is important that unchanging international values such as freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law are guaranteed in China as well."

Matsuno said that Japan is not considering using any specific term to describe the decision not to send a government delegation, and that he understands the U.S. government’s announcement did not use the term 'diplomatic boycott' either.

He added that the Minister of Sports, who attended the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics to encourage the athletes and engage with dignitaries from various countries, will also not attend the Beijing Winter Olympics. Furthermore, considering the strict behavioral restrictions due to the spread of COVID-19, it would be difficult to meet and encourage the athletes this time.

Matsuno explained that Seiko Hashimoto, a member of the House of Councillors and Chairperson of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, Yasuhiro Yamashita, Chairperson of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), and Kazuyuki Mori, Chairperson of the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC), will be sent to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics respectively.

Japan’s delegation, including the athletes, is expected to participate in the Olympics as planned.

A diplomatic boycott means that athletes participate in the Olympic events, but the government does not send an official delegation.

The United States declared a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics on the 6th, citing human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur region of China. Following this, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and others also declared boycotts in succession.

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