Australia has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China
The decision was taken because to Australia's challenges to reestablish diplomatic channels with China to examine alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that Australia will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, a move that could sour already strained ties.
The US said on Monday that its government representatives will boycott the Beijing Olympics due to China’s human rights “atrocities,” only weeks after the two nations had talks aimed at calming tensions.
China warned that the United States would “pay the price” for its decision and that it will respond with “crucial countermeasures.”
Despite the warning, Morrison stated that Australia will participate in the diplomatic boycott of the next Winter Olympics.
“As a result, Australian government officials will not be attending the Games in China. Athletes from Australia, on the other hand, will compete “In Sydney, Morrison informed reporters.
After US, Australia announces diplomatic #boycott of 2022 #WinterOlympics in Beijing.https://t.co/4qdeeDcAeu
— Hyderabad Times (@hyderabadtimes) December 8, 2021
Morrison highlighted Australia’s attempts to reestablish diplomatic channels with China to address alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang, as well as Beijing’s efforts to limit and prevent imports of Australian goods, as reasons for the decision.
For months, Australian government officials have been unable to communicate with their colleagues, instead of relying on diplomats.
The formal boycott risks further hurting Australia’s ties with China, its largest trade partner, which have already deteriorated after Canberra barred Huawei Technologies from its 5G internet network in 2018 and demanded an independent inquiry into COVID-19’s origins.
China responded by levying taxes on a number of Australian exports, including coal, meat, barley, and wine. Any additional trade delays, Morrison added, would be “totally and utterly unacceptable.”