China has threatened the United States with “firm countermeasures” in the event of a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics slated for February.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian accused US politicians of demagoguery by leaving open the possibility of not sending dignitaries to the Games that China wants to use as a showcase to showcase its economic development and progress. technological.
Speaking to reporters as part of his daily briefing, Zhao said such a move by the Americans would be considered “pure and simple political provocation”, without giving further details on the how China might respond.
United States President Joe Biden said he was considering the possibility of a political boycott of the event. Thus, American athletes could participate in the competitions, but no government representative would be present. An announcement on the subject is expected this week.
Human rights violated
For supporters of such a challenging measure, it is China’s poor human rights record that justifies it. Many believe the Chinese regime is using the Olympics to distract from its mistreatment of its political opponents, ethnic minorities and Chinese human rights activists.
“Without even being invited, American politicians continue to make a big splash with their so-called diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, when it is only wishful thinking and demagoguery,” commented Mr. Zhao to the media on Monday.
“If the United States wants to take its own path, China will take strong countermeasures,” he warned.
Sending delegations of important representatives to each of the Olympic Games is a long-standing tradition observed by the United States and many other nations. Former President George W. Bush had also attended the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. Earlier this year, the first lady, Jill Biden, headed the US delegation to the Tokyo Games.
The possibility of a diplomatic boycott comes as the United States seeks to stabilize its turbulent relationship with China. The two states maintain economic friction and disputes over China’s attitude towards Taiwan, Hong Kong and control of the South China Sea.
Beijing systematically denounces any American criticism, qualifying them as interference in its internal affairs.