Japan to join America in diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics; China reacts

Amid speculation of attending  2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Japan has hinted at joining United States strategy of punishing China for its human rights violations by restricting its diplomats from attending mega event, ANI reported citing sources of Kyodo News. However, sources have not cleared about Japan's stand over sending ir athletes to Beijing. Earlier, newly appointed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida h also said that country was mulling over allowing athletes to join sports event. According to him, decision will be taken while keeping "national interests" in mind.

Meanwhile, while speaking to Japan Forward, a prominent Japanese acemic and critic Masato Ushio said that Tokyo must not behave blindly like or countries and ded that it should ban its athletes from joining  Olympics which is scheduled for February next year. "Japan must not tre same path again," ANI quoted Ushio as saying. "At very least, a diplomatic boycott. No, that's not enough. athletes should also boycott opening ceremony because host nation's he of state makes opening declaration during ceremony," argued Masato. 

US slams China for discouraging human rights

It is worth mentioning that Biden ministration announced boycott of February’s Beijing Winter Games at diplomatic level. However, US players will participate in upcoming Olympics. Meanwhile, AP quoted White House press secretary Jen Psaki saying that Biden ministration will support sportsmen but will not allow its diplomats to travel in a country that has no respect for human beings. Notably, Psaki was pointing fingers towards China's oppressive policy towards minorities, especially Uyghur Muslims. "US has a fundamental commitment to promoting human rights and that US will not be contributing to fanfare of games," AP quoted Psaki.

Notably, after US announcement, several countries like UK, Australia, New Zealand joined line. However, France said it would consult or European nations and only n it would announce its final call over participation. Meanwhile, South Korea, which also shares good relations with US has announced to participate in upcoming winter Olympics. Notably, Moon Jae-in ministration expects that Beijing Olympics would result in a breakthrough in attempts to restart Korea peace process, similar to PyeongChang Olympics in 2018. Besides, Russian President Vlamir Putin also announced to attend Olympics.

China responded to US actions

Countering allegations of UK, China earlier this week, on December 6, blamed Biden for violating "Olympic spirit" by not letting diplomatic representatives attend mega event. According to AP, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters that US is reacting out of ideological indifferences and rumours. " boycott seriously violates principle of political neutrality of sports established by Olympic Charter and runs counter to Olympic motto ‘more united'," Zhao ded.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Image: AP