US boycott of Beijing Olympics bound to fail
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China is ready, together with the wider international community, including Russia, to resolutely resist the politicization of sports.
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The decision to boycott has received support from the UK, Australia, and Canada. (Getty Images)
In an interview for Sputnik, the Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui said the US is doomed to fail in its endeavors to boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled for February 4-20, just as they did in the Sochi 2014 Russian-held Olympics.
“The US boycott of the Sochi Winter Olympics failed, and this political maneuver of refusing to send officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics is doomed to failure. All those who oppose the true spirit of democracy and unity of all mankind will eventually reap the bitter fruit," Zhang said.
Athletes from the US will still participate in the Olympics but will be supported by the administration from the US.
The Chinese Ambassador added that the winter games are a significant global event for athletes and "not a stage for the show of politicians of separate countries. We are ready, together with the wider international community, including Russia, to resolutely resist the politicization of sports."
The US decision
On December 7, the US administration announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics held between February 4-20, under the pretext of "human rights abuses," due to what it called the "ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity," in a move that will not stop US athletes from competing.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games."
China has repeatedly denied these accusations, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian telling reporters that "the Winter Olympics are not a stage for political shows and political manipulation," accusing the US of "actions that interfere in and undermine the Beijing Winter Olympics."
International responses
Following in the footsteps of Washington, the UK, Australia, and Canada also announced their diplomatic boycott of the Games.
However, Russia slammed the decision, as Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "the Olympic Games should be free of politics."
On its part, the International Olympic Committee described the US decision as a "purely political decision for each government, which the IOC in its political neutrality fully respects."
