BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS

BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS

TOPIC: International Relations

Context- India has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Concept-

• Other countries which announced boycott include the USA , United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

What is a diplomatic boycott?

• It simply means these countries will not send official government delegations to Beijing during the Games.
• These officials are often labeled as the ‘VIP visitors’.

Does a diplomatic boycott affect athletes’ participation?

• It doesn’t. A diplomatic boycott is a token protest that has no impact on the sporting spectacle.
• However the Olympics are now are a billion-dollar enterprise and a complete boycott could cost athletes, broadcasters and the organisers a fortune.

Why have the Beijing Winter Games been so controversial?

• In India’s case, the boycott was announced after a Chinese soldier involved in the Galwan incident was made an Olympic torchbearer.
• The Western countries, led by the US, made the diplomatic snub over China’s alleged treatment of the Uyghur Muslims and human rights issues.
• Some countries like Austria, New Zealand, Slovenia, Sweden and the Netherlands have cited pandemic-related risks for not sending government officials.