Australia considers diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

Australia is considering not sending any government officials to the Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing next year amid growing calls from lawmakers for an official diplomatic boycott, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, reported from Reuters.

Australian politicians from the ruling Liberal-National coalition and the opposition Labor party are urging the federal government to boycott the event, which will be held in February, the newspaper reported without citing a source.

A diplomatic boycott would involve not sending a delegation of officials, but allowing athletes to participate.

"A decision on (Australia’s) representation at the Beijing Winter Olympics is yet to be made,” a spokesperson for Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said in an emailed response. Australia’s foreign affairs department did not respond to a request seeking comment.

President Joe Biden last week said the United States is considering a diplomatic boycott of the Olympics, a move that would be aimed at protesting China’s human rights record, including what Washington says is genocide against minority Muslims.

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