US confirms diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics over Peng Shuai situation

The United States' expected boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games was confirmed on Monday night, following criticism of China's human rights record.

US President Joe Biden said last month that a boycott was being considered, as the concern for the safety and well-being of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai increased over the last few weeks. Shuai accused a former Chinese Vice Premier of sexual assault last month and her well-being has since been called into question, with many believe the two-time doubles Grand Slam champion to be living under coercion by the government.

"The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, given China’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, and other human rights abuses,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

She said that US athletes will continue to compete and will "have our full support", but added "we will not be contributing to the fanfare of the games".

"We have a fundamental commitment to promoting human rights. And we feel strongly in our position and we will continue to take actions to advance human rights in China and beyond," added Ms. Psaki.

Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been urged to "think about a boycott" of the Winter Olympics as well.

Lib Dem Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) said: "Following that litany of abuses against the Uighur Muslims, in Hong Kong and most recently the international concern about the treatment of tennis star Peng Shuai, both the US president and the Prime Minister have admitted they are considering a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in response to this.

"Would the minister agree with me that that has now taken on renewed urgency and urge the Prime Minister to think about a boycott."