The United States has maintained its diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, despite China’s announcement that authorities from the American government had applied for visas.
Officials from the Department of State said in a statement on Tuesday that any visa applications were for consular and security personnel and that it was common for Americans abroad to enjoy sports and coaching services.
According to the statement, the United States will not change its decision not to send diplomatic or official representatives to the Olympics in February.
The boycott was announced this month by the Biden administration, quoting “crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, as well as other human rights violations.” Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom followed Washington’s lead, and Japan announced that it would not send any public officials, though it avoided the phrase “diplomatic boycott.”
Conclusion of The US alleges that China’s visa requirements support the Olympic boycott
At a normal press briefing on Monday, Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that Beijing did receive visa applications from US authorities for the Olympics. After being asked about reports that Washington would send representatives from the State Department and other agencies to the Olympics, he made the remarks remarks.
At a related briefing on Tuesday, Zhao noted that, while the US has explained that it will not send an official delegation, “many visa applications have been received from officials from the State Department and Pentagon.” Such statements are truly perplexing.”
Beijing has continually and vehemently denied the mass murder charge leveled against it in the far western region of Xinjiang, which is home to a sizable Muslim Uyghur population. While combating terrorism, China insists on providing job training and educational opportunities.
