Momentum grows for political boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

With just over two months to go before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, momentum for a diplomatic boycott is growing as Washington and its allies seek to put pressure on China over its alleged human rights abuses.

- Danson Cheong

With just over two months to go before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, momentum for a diplomatic boycott is growing as Washington and its allies seek to put pressure on China over its alleged human rights abuses.

Also driving calls for a boycott is the case of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. Her whereabouts and personal safety have become an issue of international concern after she alleged earlier this month that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

A diplomatic boycott of the Games will be a major loss of face for Chinese leaders, said experts, particularly so because 2022 is also a critical year for President Xi Jinping, who is expected to seek a third term during a twice-adecade party meeting.

Official Chinese reaction to a potential boycott has been relatively reserved so far, and analysts said Beijing does not want to draw attention to the issue if it can help it.

Reports have emerged that Britain and its Five Eyes security allies – the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand – are mulling over such a boycott.