A "diplomatic boycott" that does not send government officials to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics announced by the Biden administration in the United States this month.
Is the movement to harmonize with the United States widespread?
And how will China come out in the future?
We have compiled the latest information.
(Washington Branch, Wakako Hisaeda, International Department, Kazuyuki Kenhata, Reporter)
What is the response of each country to the "diplomatic boycott"?
The United States announced a "diplomatic boycott" on the 6th of this month.
Then, as of the 21st, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada have announced that they will not send government officials in the same way, and are in tune with the United States.
In addition, there is an opinion within the EU that "the EU should come up with a response policy", and discussions are being held, but some countries have shown a cautious stance toward "diplomatic boycotts" and no conclusion has been reached. Hmm.
Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, an ally of the United States, said on the 13th of this month that he would not consider "I have never been invited by any country, including the United States."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
What is Japan's response?
Regarding Japan's response to diplomatic boycotts, Prime Minister Kishida said at the House of Councilors Budget Committee on the 16th of this month, "Japan will make its own decisions from the standpoint of national interests, taking into account various circumstances at an appropriate time. It's important. "
He added, "I think there are various opinions depending on your position, but I have no plans to participate at this time."
What is a "diplomatic boycott"?
There is no fixed definition, but it is one of the diplomatic means by not dispatching government officials to the opening ceremony.
This time around, the word came to be used in May, when Democratic Speaker of the House Pelosi, a leading member of parliament critical of China's human rights situation, should consider a "diplomatic boycott." That's what I insisted on.
The Biden administration does not officially use the term "diplomatic boycott," but it does not deny that it is said so.
Olympic boycott, in the past?
In the past, there have been "boycotts" that do not dispatch teams, let alone government officials.
That is the Moscow Games in the summer of 1980.
Western countries such as the United States, Japan, and West Germany at that time did not dispatch a team to protest the Soviet military invasion of Afghanistan the previous year.
Four years later, at the Los Angeles Games in the summer, eastern countries such as the Soviet Union and East Germany at that time boycotted, and the athletes could not participate in the Olympic Games due to the conflicting camps in the Cold War.
Regarding the boycott, USOPC = US Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland = Chief Executive Officer said at a meeting in April, "Not only will it adversely affect athletes, but it will not be effective in solving international problems. Should not be used for political bargaining, "he said, calling for athletes not to be involved in political conflicts.
What is the aim of the Biden administration?
It is to show a strong stance of "not accepting the human rights situation in China" at home and abroad.
Saki, a spokesman for the White House, emphasized that "it will be a message that we cannot respond normally under the circumstances of human rights violations."
The Biden administration originally emphasized human rights, and this "diplomatic boycott" is also cited because of the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Regarding the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, it is said that the Uighurs and others have been imprisoned and tortured, and human rights have been suppressed.
Furthermore, last month, a problem occurred in which a Chinese female tennis player confessed on SNS that she had been forced to have a sexual relationship by the former deputy prime minister. There was a growing voice that he should show a strict attitude.
Under these circumstances, it was certain that the Biden administration would embark on a "diplomatic boycott."
Will the United States seek sympathy with other countries?
After announcing a "diplomatic boycott," the Biden administration has consistently "leave it to each decision" regarding the response of each country.
Even the table does not show any movement that encourages entrainment.
Some American media have said that "if there is no further expansion, there will be no strong pressure on China," but the Biden administration has taken the initiative to announce to the United States and abroad. It seems that he was able to fully appeal that he had taken a strict attitude toward China.
At the same time, by showing the attitude that "we are not asking each country to sympathize with each other," we aim to send a message to China, which hosts the Olympic Games, that "we are giving some consideration not to crush the men anymore." It seems that there is also.
Will the United States continue to put pressure on China over human rights issues?
We have not asked each country to agree on a "diplomatic boycott," but the Biden administration, which emphasizes human rights, remains committed to exerting pressure on China in collaboration with its allies and friends.
The United States has announced plans for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Southeast Asia this month and invite the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to the United States to hold a summit meeting within a few months. We are strengthening our approach.
How is China reacting?
Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said at a press conference on the 7th of this month following the announcement of a "diplomatic boycott" by the Biden administration, "it is a strong violation of the principle of political neutrality of sports in the Olympic Charter. He expressed his dissatisfaction and opposition and took decisive countermeasures. "
On the other hand, for Japan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Mr. Hua Chun, posted on Twitter in Japanese on the 15th of this month, saying, "As promised with Japan, China fully supported the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics. We look forward to the full support of Japanese people at the Beijing Winter Olympics! "
What is the true intention of China?
What is the expert's view?
Akio Takahara, a professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy, the University of Tokyo, who specializes in modern politics in China, said, "I think it is unavoidable for China to announce a'diplomatic boycott'by the United States, which emphasizes human rights issues. So, I think we are most wary of how much these movements will spread to other countries in the future. "
On top of that, "There should be no worries about countries that support China's position over human rights issues such as the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, but it is difficult for other countries to follow the United States, especially Japan and Europe. To the countries of Southeast Asia, China may be strengthening diplomatic efforts and crafts in various ways. "
Regarding China's plan to take countermeasures against the United States, "From China's point of view, the most important goal is to successfully hold the Olympics. Even if some countermeasures are taken, it will go to the Olympics. I think we should be very careful not to be affected by this. "