The ugly side to China hosting the Olympics has taken center stage. What happens now?
2 years, 11 months ago

The ugly side to China hosting the Olympics has taken center stage. What happens now?

LA Times  

Beijing might have seemed like the best option at the time. “This is really a safe choice,” IOC president Thomas Bach said, predicting the winner could reliably “deliver on its promises.” Seven years later, as the Feb. 4 opening ceremony draws near, Bach and his colleagues still are paying the price for selecting a host country with a reputation for human rights abuses. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared that allowing Beijing to serve as host city this winter “makes a mockery of the Olympic Charter, which states that the Games should seek to foster ‘respect for universal and ethical principles.’” There is historical precedent for politics intruding on the Games. “The Olympic family has put its faith in Beijing again to deliver the athlete-centered, sustainable and economical Games we have promised,” the nation’s bid committee said in a statement. “To be clear, you either have a complete boycott, and don’t send athletes, or you try to change things with useful actions.” :: Facing repeated questions about competing in China — a familiar theme at news conferences this fall — U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee officials stuck to the IOC’s line of reasoning.

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History of this topic

Olympics: Interplay of sports, geopolitics and diplomacy
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Olympics: Interplay of sports, geopolitics and diplomacy

Hindustan Times  

The Olympic Games are the epitome of international sporting events, representing not only the pinnacle of athletic achievement but also a complex interaction of sportsmanship, national pride, geopolitical manoeuvring, and diplomatic engagement. For example, China's significant investment in its sports programmes was evident in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where it topped the medal tally for the first time. The iconic …

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue
2 years, 10 months ago

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ai helped design the famous Bird’s Nest stadium that …

China human rights: Beijing clamps down on dissent as Olympics heat up
2 years, 10 months ago

China human rights: Beijing clamps down on dissent as Olympics heat up

CNN  

Beijing CNN — As Winter Olympians vie for gold in Beijing, global attention has turned to events in the extensive Olympic “bubble” – a zone sealing off visiting athletes, media and participants from the rest of the host city to prevent the spread of Covid-19. “In China, people like me are called ‘domestic hostile forces’… that’s why they have to …

Life inside the Olympics bubble: Limbo between China and the world
2 years, 10 months ago

Life inside the Olympics bubble: Limbo between China and the world

LA Times  

Three rows of fencing, two guard patrols and multiple “no crossing” signs mark the ominous border between the 2022 Winter Olympics and the rest of its host city. It is a tightly scripted, surreal choreography: skiers, skaters, coaches — in carefully laid out paths — head for slopes and rinks, while outside the bubble life in Beijing hums aloofly along …

UN Ambassador: China Had Uyghur Athlete Be Olympic Torchbearer To Distract From Genocide
2 years, 10 months ago

UN Ambassador: China Had Uyghur Athlete Be Olympic Torchbearer To Distract From Genocide

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on Sunday that China choosing an Uyghur athlete to light the Olympic flame was an attempt to distract viewers from the country’s genocide of the predominantly Muslim ethnic group. Speaking to host Jake Tapper on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that Uyghur skier Dinigeer Yilamujiang …

In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule
2 years, 10 months ago

In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule

Associated Press  

His collar turned up against the cold, the head of the International Olympic Committee looked out over the stadium and spoke of the ideals that had brought together athletes from all over the world. The Olympic mission is clear, he said: “Always building bridges, never erecting walls.” Critics of Bach and the IOC say those ideals are nonsense, and talk …

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule
2 years, 10 months ago

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022: In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule

Firstpost  

The IOC knows that Beijing has locked up hundreds of thousands of minority Uighur Muslims, those critics say, and arrested countless people who dared voice criticism of the government. The Olympic mission is clear, he said: “Always building bridges, never erecting walls.” Critics of Bach and the IOC say those ideals are nonsense, and talk of respect and bridge-building is …

Top Asian News 4:55 a.m. GMT
2 years, 10 months ago

Top Asian News 4:55 a.m. GMT

Associated Press  

Myanmar villagers say army troops burned 400 houses BANGKOK — Residents of two villages in northwestern Myanmar said government soldiers burned down hundreds of houses this week, apparently while searching for members of an armed militia opposed to military rule. “And it’s a very cool sense of belonging in a way, to just be on the same soil that your …

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue
2 years, 10 months ago

Another Beijing Olympics with human rights still major issue

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Beijing was awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics, largely under the assumption that the Games would improve civil liberties in the country. Ai helped design the famous Bird’s Nest stadium that was used in the 2008 Games — hoping it would signify a new openness — and then regretted doing so, calling it and the Olympics China’s “fake smile.” …

Why the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be the most awkward
2 years, 10 months ago

Why the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be the most awkward

CNN  

A version of this story appeared in CNN’s What Matters newsletter. Read this report from CNN’s Simone McCarthy about which leaders will now oversee the lighting of the Olympic torch: Of the just over 20 presidents, prime ministers, heads of state and royalty set to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics on Friday, around half of those …

Winter Olympics: What you need to know about Beijing 2022
2 years, 10 months ago

Winter Olympics: What you need to know about Beijing 2022

Al Jazeera  

Beijing becomes the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games. The 2022 Winter Olympics have kicked off under a cloud of COVID restrictions, diplomatic boycotts and questions over China’s treatment of Uighurs. Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics over China’s human rights record. “Any …

The ‘Feel Guilty Games’?: China human rights issues have forever marked the Beijing Olympics
2 years, 10 months ago

The ‘Feel Guilty Games’?: China human rights issues have forever marked the Beijing Olympics

LA Times  

The rulebook for the Olympics — called the Olympic Charter — contains numerous bylaws meant to foster “political neutrality.” No protesting on the field of play, no wearing of symbols or flashing hand gestures. At the Tokyo Olympics last summer, the U.S. women’s soccer team kneeled before games and shot putter Raven Saunders crossed her arms overhead on the medals …

Speak out against 'genocide games': Activists urge athletes participating in Beijing Olympics
2 years, 10 months ago

Speak out against 'genocide games': Activists urge athletes participating in Beijing Olympics

Firstpost  

Over a million Uyghurs have been confined in reeducation camps in Xinjiang region of China. Activists say China is trying to whitewash this repression of Uyghurs, referred as ‘genocide’ by US, through the Games Beijing: Human rights activists issued a call to action against the Beijing Olympics on Friday, imploring athletes and sponsors to speak out against what they call …

Activists urge athletes to speak out at Beijing Olympics
2 years, 10 months ago

Activists urge athletes to speak out at Beijing Olympics

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Human rights activists issued a call to action against the Beijing Olympics on Friday, imploring athletes and sponsors to speak out against what they call the “genocide games.” Speaking at an online press conference organized by the rights group Human Rights Watch, activists representing Chinese dissidents and the minority Uyghur and Tibetan populations urged international attendants to voice …

Tough trip to China ahead, Anderson sees gift of world stage
2 years, 10 months ago

Tough trip to China ahead, Anderson sees gift of world stage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It can feel very powerless when you read those …

Beijing 2022: Athletes warned about speaking out on human rights
2 years, 11 months ago

Beijing 2022: Athletes warned about speaking out on human rights

Al Jazeera  

Behaviour by athletes that violates the “Olympic spirit” or Chinese rules could be subject to punishment, a Beijing 2022 official said, after rights groups voiced concern about the safety of competitors if they protest at next month’s Winter Olympics. ‘Sportswashing’ Meanwhile on Wednesday, human rights group Amnesty International warned that the international community must not allow China to use the …

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China
2 years, 11 months ago

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Athletes at the Beijing Olympics were urged by human rights activists Tuesday to avoid criticizing China because they could be prosecuted. The IOC has not yet publicly committed to how athletes who speak out would be protected, activists said in a briefing hosted by Human Rights Watch. “We know the human rights record and the allowance of freedom …

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China
2 years, 11 months ago

Olympic athletes urged by activists not to criticize China

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Athletes at the Beijing Olympics were urged by …

Diplomatic boycott of Beijing Games ‘meaningless’ - Coe
2 years, 11 months ago

Diplomatic boycott of Beijing Games ‘meaningless’ - Coe

The Hindu  

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said he takes human rights “very seriously” but that Britain’s diplomatic boycott of next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics is “meaningless.” The United States, Australia and Canada have also announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games over China’s human rights record, a stand that China dismissed as “political posturing.” Coe drew criticism over his comments last …

No regrets in awarding Games to China, says IOC's Pound
3 years ago

No regrets in awarding Games to China, says IOC's Pound

The Hindu  

International Olympic Committee senior member Dick Pound said he had no regrets about China being selected to host the 2022 Winter Games despite the international backlash over the country's human rights record. The United States, Canada, Britain and Australia are among the countries that recently announced a diplomatic boycott of the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Games, which China called "political posturing." …

Canada joins US and allies in Beijing Olympics boycott
3 years ago

Canada joins US and allies in Beijing Olympics boycott

The Hindu  

Canada will join the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights concerns, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday. The announcement came after the White House, the Australian government and the UK government confirmed diplomatic boycotts of the Winter Games in February to protest Chinese human rights abuses. Rights …

China says US diplomatic boycott violates Olympic spirit
3 years ago

China says US diplomatic boycott violates Olympic spirit

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China accused the United States of violating the Olympic spirit on Tuesday after the Biden administration announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games over human rights concerns. Psaki said the U.S. has a “fundamental commitment to promoting human rights” and that it “will not be contributing to the fanfare of the Games.” The diplomatic boycott comes …

Kremlin slams US Olympics boycott, says Games should be 'free of politics'
3 years ago

Kremlin slams US Olympics boycott, says Games should be 'free of politics'

The Hindu  

The Kremlin on Tuesday criticised the United States for announcing a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Olympics in Beijing, saying the Games should be "free of politics". US President Joe Biden's administration announced on Monday that it will not send any US diplomatic or official governmental representatives to the Games kicking off in February in a rebuke of China's human …

IOC 'respects' US diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years ago

IOC 'respects' US diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

Firstpost  

The IOC said the US government’s announcement had made it “clear that the Olympic Games and the participation of the athletes are beyond politics and we welcome this”. Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Olympic Committee said on Monday it respected the US government’s announcement of a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. “The support for the athletes and the …

Beijing threatens retaliation if US boycotts Winter Olympics
3 years ago

Beijing threatens retaliation if US boycotts Winter Olympics

Firstpost  

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said such a move would be an ‘outright political provocation’, but gave no details on how China would retaliate Beijing: China on Monday threatened to take “firm countermeasures” if the U.S. proceeds with a diplomatic boycott of February’s Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accused U.S. politicians of grandstanding over the issue …

China threatens retaliation if US boycotts Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
3 years ago

China threatens retaliation if US boycotts Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

India TV News  

Highlights US President Biden has said he is considering a boycott, under which US athletes would still compete China accused US politicians of grandstanding over the issue of not sending dignitaries to the event Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said such move would be an outright political provocation China on Monday threatened to take "firm countermeasures'' if the US proceeds …

White House announces US diplomatic boycott of 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing
3 years ago

White House announces US diplomatic boycott of 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing

CNN  

CNN — The Biden administration will not send an official US delegation to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as a statement against China’s “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday. The White House is looking to send a “clear message” that the human rights abuses in China mean there cannot …

Biden Mulls Diplomatic Boycott Of Beijing Olympics; China Says 'Politicising Sports' Hurts Olympic Spirit
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden Mulls Diplomatic Boycott Of Beijing Olympics; China Says 'Politicising Sports' Hurts Olympic Spirit

News 18  

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering a US diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, in what would be an attempt to show toughness over China’s rights abuses without impacting US athletes. China’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, accused the United States of violating the “Olympic spirit” after President Joe Biden said he was considering a diplomatic boycott of …

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 1 month ago

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics

Associated Press  

Leading sponsors of the Beijing Winter Olympics should explain why they remain largely silent about alleged human rights abuses in China with the Games opening there in just under three months, Human Rights Watch said Friday. The letters asked sponsors to be aware of the rights climate in China, and to scrutinize supply chains and other operations to assure they …

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 1 month ago

Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics

The Hindu  

Leading sponsors of the Beijing Winter Olympics should explain why they remain largely silent about alleged human rights abuses in China with the Games opening there in just under three months, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. The letters asked sponsors to be aware of the rights climate in China, and to scrutinize supply chains and other operations to assure …

Beijing Olympics get ‘gold for repression’ in labor report
3 years, 1 month ago

Beijing Olympics get ‘gold for repression’ in labor report

Associated Press  

A global trade union body has joined a long list of human-rights advocates in challenging the propriety of China holding the 2022 Winter Olympics and has singled out the International Olympic Committee for acquiescing in the face of alleged genocide and crimes against humanity reportedly taking place in the host country. The Belgium-based International Trade Union Confederation issued its report …

IOC VP: Chinese human rights not a concern before 2022 Games
3 years, 2 months ago

IOC VP: Chinese human rights not a concern before 2022 Games

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — International Olympic Committee Vice President John Coates says challenging China on its human rights record as Beijing prepares to host the 2022 Winter Games is “not in our remit.” There has been widespread criticism of Beijing’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the northwest China region of Xinjiang, which rights groups say amounts to genocide, as well as …

China human rights record 'not our remit,' says IOC's John Coates ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 2 months ago

China human rights record 'not our remit,' says IOC's John Coates ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics

Firstpost  

When asked about the treatment of the Uyghur minority in China, IOC Vice President John Coates said the body has no mandate to act. Sydney: A senior member of the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday swatted aside suggestions China should be challenged over its human rights record ahead of the Beijing Winter Games. The Beijing Winter Olympics take place next …

IOC's Coates rules out pressuring China over human rights
3 years, 2 months ago

IOC's Coates rules out pressuring China over human rights

The Hindu  

The International Olympic Committee will not pressure 2022 Winter Olympics host China over its human rights record because it is not in the governing body's remit to dictate to sovereign countries, IOC vice-president John Coates said on Wednesday. Coates said the IOC's human rights remit only covered the "Olympic movement" and the National Olympic Committees within it. But the IOC …

Winter Olympics: IOC says China human rights ‘not within’ remit
3 years, 2 months ago

Winter Olympics: IOC says China human rights ‘not within’ remit

Al Jazeera  

IOC dismisses calls to challenge China over its treatment of the Uighur minority ahead of next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics. A senior member of the International Olympic Committee has swatted aside suggestions that China should be challenged over its human rights record before the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. IOC Vice President John Coates on Wednesday rejected calls from rights groups …

Why boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics could backfire
3 years, 3 months ago

Why boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics could backfire

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Dr. John Lee is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and United States Studies Centre where he is an adjunct professor. CNN — With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics now over, attention is turning to next year’s Winter Olympics in the Chinese capital Beijing. And with less than six months to go, pressure is mounting on …

Broadcasters urged to cancel plans to cover Beijing Olympics
3 years, 3 months ago

Broadcasters urged to cancel plans to cover Beijing Olympics

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Some of the world’s largest broadcasters including American network NBC are being asked by human rights groups to cancel plans to cover next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing. “All of your companies are at serious risk of being complicit in China’s plan to ‘sport wash’ the severe and worsening human rights abuses and embolden the actions of the …

Beijing Olympics: Broadcasters urged to cancel coverage by human rights groups
3 years, 3 months ago

Beijing Olympics: Broadcasters urged to cancel coverage by human rights groups

The Hindu  

Some of the world’s largest broadcasters including American network NBC are being asked by human rights groups to cancel plans to cover next year's Winter Olympics in Beijing. “All of your companies are at serious risk of being complicit in China’s plan to ‘sport wash' the severe and worsening human rights abuses and embolden the actions of the Chinese authorities,” …

Jules Boykoff
3 years, 4 months ago

Jules Boykoff

The Diplomat  

In 2015, Beijing beat out Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the honor of hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Before the International Olympic Committee announced Beijing’s selection, activists warned against offering China a “second chance,” arguing that the rights situation had in fact worsened since China hosted the Summer Games in 2008. In a 2015 open letter, rights advocates warned that the …

China, US clash over Winter Olympics boycott call
3 years, 7 months ago

China, US clash over Winter Olympics boycott call

Hindustan Times  

China on Wednesday said the US House speaker Nancy Pelosi was “full of lies” after she called for a “diplomatic boycott” of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights abuses. I don’t know where they get the nerve to say so.” Zhao said that the US’ intention of using human rights issues is to divert attention from its own …

Coalition Calls For Boycott Of Beijing Olympics Over Alleged Human-Rights Abuses
3 years, 7 months ago

Coalition Calls For Boycott Of Beijing Olympics Over Alleged Human-Rights Abuses

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Groups alleging human-rights abuses against minorities in China are calling for a full-blown boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, a move likely to ratchet up pressure on the International Olympic Committee, athletes, sponsors and sports federations. “The situation where we are now is demonstrably worse that it was then,” Tethong said, pointing out that the …

AP Exclusive: Full-blown boycott pushed for Beijing Olympics
3 years, 7 months ago

AP Exclusive: Full-blown boycott pushed for Beijing Olympics

Associated Press  

Groups alleging human-rights abuses against minorities in China are calling for a full-blown boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, a move likely to ratchet up pressure on the International Olympic Committee, athletes, sponsors and sports federations. “The situation where we are now is demonstrably worse that it was then,” Tethong said, pointing out that the IOC said the …

China Hits Out at US over Beijing Olympics Boycott Row
3 years, 8 months ago

China Hits Out at US over Beijing Olympics Boycott Row

News 18  

China accused the United States of “politicising sports” on Wednesday, after Washington said it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds. “As for the idea of a so-called joint boycott of the Beijing Olympics, I want to stress that politicising sports goes against the …

EXPLAINER: Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and some options
3 years, 8 months ago

EXPLAINER: Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and some options

Associated Press  

The U.S. State Department says it’s talking with allies about China’s human rights record and how to handle next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics. He has repeated the IOC must stay “neutral.” China’s government warned Washington on Wednesday not to boycott, saying there would be an unspecified “robust Chinese response.” “The politicization of sports will damage the spirit of the Olympic …

US Weighs Joint Approach to Beijing Olympics with Allies
3 years, 8 months ago

US Weighs Joint Approach to Beijing Olympics with Allies

News 18  

The State Department said Tuesday the Biden administration is consulting with allies about a joint approach to China and its human rights record, including how to handle the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. The department initially suggested that an Olympic boycott to protest China’s rights abuses was among the possibilities but a senior official said later that a boycott has not …

US weighs joint approach to Beijing Olympics with allies
3 years, 8 months ago

US weighs joint approach to Beijing Olympics with allies

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The State Department said Tuesday the Biden administration is consulting with allies about a joint approach to China and its human rights record, including how to handle the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. The department initially suggested that an Olympic boycott to protest China’s rights abuses was among the possibilities but a senior official said later that a boycott …

Is China losing control of the Uighur narrative?
3 years, 9 months ago

Is China losing control of the Uighur narrative?

Al Jazeera  

On Thursday, March 11 at 19:30 GMT: As China prepares to host the Winter Olympics in 2022, Beijing is facing renewed pressure to address its human rights record in Xinjiang. After initially denying the existence of hundreds of detention camps, officials now say they are working to root out what they call terrorism in the region through “re-education centres.” And …

Rights groups, international lawyers target sponsors like Airbnb for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
3 years, 9 months ago

Rights groups, international lawyers target sponsors like Airbnb for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

Firstpost  

This will be Beijing’s second Olympics in 14 years, following the 2008 Summer Games that were supposed to improve human rights in China. London-based human-rights lawyer Michael Polak filed a complaint with the IOC’s ethic commission over Beijing’s “breaches of the Olympic charter.” Instead of responding to his brief, the commission referred him to a statement from IOC President Thomas …

Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games
3 years, 9 months ago

Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games

Associated Press  

In one corner are the 15 leading Olympic sponsors, many household names like Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Visa, Toyota, Samsung and General Electric. London-based human-rights lawyer Michael Polak filed a complaint with the IOC ethics commission over Beijing’s “breaches of the Olympic charter.” Instead of responding to his brief, the commission referred him to a statement from IOC President Thomas Bach. The …

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