Description
Added on the 08/12/2021 12:47:48 - Copyright : France 24 EN
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach reacts to a growing diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics in February, prompted by what the Western allies argue are widespread rights abuses by China. "The presence of government officials is a purely political decision for each government," he says, adding, "the principle of the political neutrality of the IOC applies." Britain on Wednesday joined Australia and the United States in announcing they will not send ministers to the Winter Games in the Chinese capital. SOUNDBITE
The US won't send diplomatic representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and "contribute to the fanfare of the Games", "given the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang", says White House press secretary Jen Psaki. SOUNDBITE
Tibetan protesters gather in New Delhi to protest against the Beijing Winter Olympics, which are due to open on Friday night. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will announce the Games are officially open, will be joined by leaders including his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia are among countries staging a diplomatic boycott over China's human rights record. IMAGES
The White House says it is not discussing a joint boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics with US allies. "We have not discussed and are not discussing any joint boycott with allies and partners," says White House press secretary, Jen Psaki. SOUNDBITE
China says it "poses no threat" to any country, after Australia's first National Defence Strategy signalled a new focus on deterring Beijing's "coercive tactics". "China poses no threat to any country," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian says in a briefing, urging Canberra to "refrain from making accusations against China at every turn". SOUNDBITE
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne in Beijing, as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations and seek to strengthen ties. IMAGES
|
Support : Technical 
- Content 
- Editors 
