Following the US and UK, Japan Practically 'Diplomatic Boycott' of Beijing Winter Olympics

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] Amid the diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Winter Olympics declared by the United States, the United Kingdom, and others citing human rights issues, Japan has also effectively decided to join this trend.

On the 24th, 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 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Matsuno explained, "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," and that Japan has conveyed this position directly to China through various channels. He added, "The Japanese government's response to the Beijing Olympics was made after comprehensively considering these points."

Matsuno also explained that Seiko Hashimoto, a member of the House of Councillors and Chairperson of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, Yasuhiko Yamashita, President of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), and Kazuyuki Mori, President of the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC), will attend the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

In response, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 24th, "China welcomes officials related to the Japanese Olympic Committee and Japanese athletes coming to China to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics." He added, "China is confident in practicing the Olympic spirit of 'faster, higher, stronger ? together,' and presenting a simple, safe, and wonderful Olympics to the world."

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