On 2021.12.06 the Biden administration announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing China’s “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses.”
Countries are boycotting to send a message over to pressure Beijing over abuses against the Uyghur community (which has been declared a genocide by some), a crackdown on pro-democracy free speech protests in Hong Kong, China’s recent aggression toward Taiwan, pursuit of hypersonic weapons, and its secrecy surrounding the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House is looking to send a “clear message” that the human rights abuses in China mean there cannot be “business as usual.”
Athletes from these countries are free to participate in the games. But in light of China’s threat that countries will pay a price for this, athletes, journalists, tourists, and others must be hesitant about attending.
» Two-time Olympic luge champion – Germany’s Natalie Geisenberger – may skip Beijing Games over athlete mistreatment in China » CBC
The following countries have announced they will not be sending diplomats or officials to the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing »
- Australia (The Guardian / France 24 / RFI / Axios / BBC / Al Jazeera / Euractiv)
- Canada (CPAC Video / DW / HKFP)
- Lithuania (ANI)
- UK (The Guardian / DW)
- USA (DW / CNBC / USA Today / Asia Today / (NYTimes / Politico / NBC / Washington Post / Bloomberg / CNN)
Allies have indicated they will join the boycott in a coordinated effort.
France has stated they will not be joining the boycott.
Video » China warns countries will ‘pay the price’ for Beijing Olympics boycott
Last Update 2021.12.09 » This post will be updated as this progresses.