Beijing Winter Olympics: China Applauds Pakistan’s Stance Amid Diplomatic Boycott By US, Others

Countries including the US, UK, Australia, Lithuania and Canada have announced diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics while Pakistan stood by its all-weather ally promoting the event

New Delhi:  Recognising Pakistan's move, China's ambassador appreciated the country's stance against the “politicisation” of sports after Islamabad’s comment that the Beijing Winter Olympics would offer "a spectacular and colourful gala to sports enthusiasts around the world."

In a tweet, Chinese ambassador Nong Rong on Sunday wrote, "Pakistan's position to oppose any form of politicisation of sports is highly appreciated. The Beijing Winter Olympic Games is not a stage for the posturing and grandstanding of politicians."

Countries including the US, UK, Australia, Lithuania, and Canada have announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics while Pakistan stood by its all-weather ally promoting the event.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad in a weekly media briefing had expressed Islamabad's confidence in China’s plan to host the Beijing Winter Olympics. Ahmad expressed confidence that despite the limitations imposed by Covid-19, the event would offer "a spectacular and colourful gala to sports enthusiasts around the world, including in Pakistan," according to the Xinhua report.

"The Olympic games symbolise sportsmanship, team spirit, unity, effort, struggle, and maintaining grace in competition whatever the results are," the spokesperson said.

Pakistan also declined the United States’ invitation for the Democracy Summit which was held virtually on December 9-10 and hosted by US President Joe Biden. It is to be noted that Pakistan’s rejection came as China was not even invited by Washington. 

Announcing diplomatic boycott, the United States, Britain, Canada, and others will not send government officials to the Games in protest over China’s treatment of Turkic Muslim Uyghurs and other minority groups, along with civil society and human rights activists.

New Zealand also joined the league saying it has informed Beijing of not sending any officials due to pandemic travel restrictions besides communicating its human rights concerns.

In a symbolic protest against China's "ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang," the Biden administration on Monday announced it has decided not to send an official US delegation to the Beijing Winter Olympics.