Denmark and the Netherlands would also not send official representatives to the Beijing Winter Olympics, but officially for different reasons.

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said, “The Danish government has decided that we will not participate in the Winter Olympics in China (…) It is no secret that in Denmark we are very concerned about the human rights situation in China. Huh.” The decision came after a European meeting which showed that “unfortunately it is not possible to reach an agreement between the 27 countries. Thus various choices have been made on how to proceed”, the head of Danish diplomacy explained. However, Danish athletes will take part in the competitions. “Danish athletes can count on the full support of the government. And we will encourage them, as we always do,” Kofod continued. “But we will do it from home, not from Beijing’s stand”.

Prior to Denmark, the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom had already decided to “diplomatically boycott” the Beijing Winter Olympics to condemn human rights abuses in China, especially the Muslim-majority of Xinjiang (North-West). in a large area. , Japan has also announced that it will not send government representatives.

Sweden announced earlier this week that no official would attend the Olympic event but because of the pandemic. That view was echoed by the Netherlands on Friday, with the explanation that health restrictions due to the coronavirus would make it “difficult” for Dutch diplomats to hold sufficiently in-depth discussions with their Chinese counterparts on issues such as human rights. A similar decision was made for the Tokyo Games last summer due to Covid-19. According to a government source, it is “not a political boycott” like the one announced recently.

Switzerland on its part will not boycott the Olympic Games. “Every councilor or federal councillor, in every international meeting, brings up the issue of human rights. It has now become a norm. The solution is best achieved by not interrupting dialogue and discussing. Switzerland offers good offices. . Geneva has already been there. Many meetings. This is how we make our contribution,” said Swiss Sports Minister Viola Amherd.