The United States Is Poised To Launch A Diplomatic Boycott Of The Beijing Winter Olympics

The United States Is Poised To Launch A Diplomatic Boycott Of The Beijing Winter Olympics

 

A senior administration official indicated late Sunday, November 5, that the Biden administration is anticipated to announce a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing this week.

 

According to CNN, US government officials will not attend the Winter Olympics in February as part of the proposed boycott, but American athletes will compete

Touchaheart Nigeria reports that last month, Vice President Joe Biden indicated he was considering a diplomatic boycott to protest China’s human rights record, which includes what Washington calls genocide against the Uighur Muslim ethnic minority.

 

Members of Congress have pressed the Biden administration to implement the diplomatic boycott. They wanted to speak out against China’s human rights violations.

 

Last month, Vice President Joe Biden stated that the government was exploring the action.

 

China has been under fire for suppressing pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, for its policy toward Tibet and Taiwan, and for arresting and abusing Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

 

China’s activities against Uyghurs have been labeled “genocide” by the US State Department and some European countries.

 

Last month, White House press secretary Jen Psaki remarked, “We have severe concerns about the human rights abuses that we’ve seen.”

 

Should the United States or other countries begin boycotts, Chinese government officials have warned of a “strong Chinese response.”

 

Congressional Republicans have been especially vocal in demanding a full boycott, with Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas saying last month: ‘Joe Biden should announce a complete boycott of the 2022 Olympic Games immediately.’