Beijing`s COVID-shortened Olympic torch relay began on Wednesday with basketball great Yao Ming and a Chinese soldier wounded in a bloody 2020 border clash with India among the first to carry the symbolic flame on a journey that will last just three days. The route taking the flame to landmarks including the Great Wall and Summer Palace is far more modest than the globe-spanning tour ahead of Beijing`s 2008 Summer Games that was disrupted by protests along the way.

Because of COVID-19, only selected members of the public will witness this week`s relay, as will be the case during the sporting events at the Olympics, which are taking place inside a "closed loop" that seals off athletes and other Olympics personnel from the public. "That is, of course, bad luck but what can you do?", Georgios Iliopoulos, Greece`s ambassador to China and a torch-bearer, said when asked if he was worried that the 2022 Games would be remembered as the "corona Olympics".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-eleven-personnel-in-hospital-with-covid-19-virus-none-serious-449794">Beijing Olympics: Eleven personnel in hospital with COVID-19 virus, none serious</a>

"You cannot stop life and we do the best we can to continue with what we have to deal with. The main thing is we keep together at this and leave it behind us as soon as possible," he told reporters. 
The Olympics will run from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20. The flame, which was flown from Greece in October, will travel to competition zones, including Zhangjiakou in neighbouring Hebei province, before ending its journey with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at Friday`s opening ceremony.

Wednesday`s event began under clear blue skies in Beijing when Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng lit a torch from a cauldron in the shape of traditional ritual vessel known as a zun, then handed it to 80-year-old Luo Zhihuan, who as a speed skater was China`s first winter sports world champion.

Among the torch-bearers was Qi Fabao, a regimental commander in the People`s Liberation Army who was seriously wounded during a 2020 border clash with Indian troops in the Galwan Valley that killed four Chinese soldiers. He took the torch from four-time short track speed skating gold medalist Wang Meng. 
More than 1,000 torch-bearers will participate in the relay. Asked during the sub-freezing morning how he felt as an Olympics torch-bearer, Yao responded: "Pretty cold, because the previous two times were for the Summer Olympics. But it`s warm to hold a flame in the winter."

Beijing`s COVID-shortened Olympic torch relay began on Wednesday with basketball great Yao Ming and a Chinese soldier wounded in a bloody 2020 border clash with India among the first to carry the symbolic flame on a journey that will last just three days.

Beijing`s COVID-shortened Olympic torch relay began on Wednesday with basketball great Yao Ming and a Chinese soldier wounded in a bloody 2020 border clash with India among the first to carry the symbolic flame on a journey that will last just three days. The route taking the flame to landmarks including the Great Wall and Summer Palace is far more modest than the globe-spanning tour ahead of Beijing`s 2008 Summer Games that was disrupted by protests along the way. Because of COVID-19, only selected members of the public will witness this week`s relay, as will be the case during the sporting events at the Olympics, which are taking place inside a "closed loop" that seals off athletes and other Olympics personnel from the public. "That is, of course, bad luck but what can you do?", Georgios Iliopoulos, Greece`s ambassador to China and a torch-bearer, said when asked if he was worried that the 2022 Games would be remembered as the "corona Olympics". ALSO READ | Beijing Olympics: Eleven personnel in hospital with COVID-19 virus, none serious "You cannot stop life and we do the best we can to continue with what we have to deal with. The main thing is we keep together at this and leave it behind us as soon as possible," he told reporters. The Olympics will run from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20. The flame, which was flown from Greece in October, will travel to competition zones, including Zhangjiakou in neighbouring Hebei province, before ending its journey with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at Friday`s opening ceremony. Wednesday`s event began under clear blue skies in Beijing when Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng lit a torch from a cauldron in the shape of traditional ritual vessel known as a zun, then handed it to 80-year-old Luo Zhihuan, who as a speed skater was China`s first winter sports world champion. Among the torch-bearers was Qi Fabao, a regimental commander in the People`s Liberation Army who was seriously wounded during a 2020 border clash with Indian troops in the Galwan Valley that killed four Chinese soldiers. He took the torch from four-time short track speed skating gold medalist Wang Meng. More than 1,000 torch-bearers will participate in the relay. Asked during the sub-freezing morning how he felt as an Olympics torch-bearer, Yao responded: "Pretty cold, because the previous two times were for the Summer Olympics. But it`s warm to hold a flame in the winter."

Winter Olympics: Torch begins COVID-shortened trek past Beijing landmarks

Will the Winter Olympics be a superspreader event? Beijing has reported its highest number of Wuhan virus cases in 18 months. Out of 8,000 people that have come for the games - 211 have tested positive. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Covid-19 breaches Beijing Olympics bubble

Beijing is grappling with a steady surge in Covid cases despite one of the largest Covid bubbles ever seen in the world days before beginning of the winter Olympics. Nearly 34 new Covid cases were detected in Olympics-related personnel.

Covid News: 34 new cases among Beijing Olympic-related personnel

During the past four days China has detected some 119 cases of COVID-19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics, with authorities imposing a "closed loop" bubble to keep participants, staff and media separated from the public.

The tally from the weekend showed 37 new cases on Sunday, and 34 on Saturday, with most testing positive after arrival at the airport, Games organisers said.

On Monday, Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova said her own Olympic ambitions were over after testing positive twice following her arrival in Beijing, one of three Russian positive tests announced on Monday.

"Unfortunately my Olympic dream will remain just a dream," Vasnetsova wrote on social media. "Maybe one day I will find the strength to rise again but it will be a completely different story."

Eight athletes or team officials were among 28 people who had tested positive on arrival at the airport on Sunday. 
International Olympic Committee member Emma Terho, who heads the IOC`s athletes commission, also tested positive and said she has been in isolation since the weekend.

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"Even though this is not the start I envisaged, I was happy to see the protocols that Beijing 2022 has put in place are working well," Terho, a retired Finnish ice hockey player, said on social media.

Some 3,000 athletes, along with coaches, officials, referees, federation delegates and media are expected for the Games, due to run from Feb. 4-20. 
The "closed loop" will allow them to move between accommodation and Olympic venues on official transport but they are not allowed out to move freely in public.

In contrast to many countries seeking to live with COVID-19, China has isolated itself with a zero-tolerance policy, cancelling nearly all international flights.

An opinion piece in the People’s Daily -- the ruling Communist Party`s official newspaper -- praised the work done to prepare for the Games and battle the spread of the virus.

"The epidemic and control measures of the Beijing Winter Olympics are the epitome of China’s successful experience in fighting the epidemic, and are also a focused demonstration of China’s spirit and China’s strength."

Olympic athletes and others must fly directly into the city on charter flights and are tested daily.

POSITIVE TESTS

Athletes, however, have also been testing positive prior to their arrival in Beijing, with the world`s leading women`s ski jumper, Marita Kramer of Austria, rescheduling her departure in an effort to get healthy in time for her competition.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-sponsors-on-tightrope-ahead-of-winter-games-amid-us-china-tensions-448776">Beijing Olympics: Sponsors on 'tightrope' ahead of Winter Games amid US-China tensions</a>

Kramer, who leads the women`s overall World Cup standings, tested positive in Germany, the last competition ahead of the Games. 
"Officials are at the moment working on a time plan in order to make it possible for the World Cup leader to take part in the Olympic Games in Beijing," the Austrian ski federation said.

Russian skeleton racers, Olympic silver medallist Nikita Tregubov and Vladislav Semyonov, will miss the Games after testing positive prior to their departure, the country`s bobsleigh federation said.

There was, however, good news for the Australian curling team after curler Tahli Gill returned two negative tests following an initial positive in the Chinese capital on Sunday.

Gill and teammate Dean Hewitt had been in isolation for two days after she tested positive at Beijing airport. 
"We have treated this time as a rest day and a time to really focus on our Olympic goals," the pair said in a statement.

During the past four days China has detected some 119 cases of COVID-19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics, with authorities imposing a "closed loop" bubble to keep participants, staff and media separated from the public.

During the past four days China has detected some 119 cases of COVID-19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics, with authorities imposing a "closed loop" bubble to keep participants, staff and media separated from the public. The tally from the weekend showed 37 new cases on Sunday, and 34 on Saturday, with most testing positive after arrival at the airport, Games organisers said. On Monday, Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova said her own Olympic ambitions were over after testing positive twice following her arrival in Beijing, one of three Russian positive tests announced on Monday. "Unfortunately my Olympic dream will remain just a dream," Vasnetsova wrote on social media. "Maybe one day I will find the strength to rise again but it will be a completely different story." Eight athletes or team officials were among 28 people who had tested positive on arrival at the airport on Sunday. International Olympic Committee member Emma Terho, who heads the IOC`s athletes commission, also tested positive and said she has been in isolation since the weekend. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: China reports 34 new COVID-19 cases among Games-related personnel "Even though this is not the start I envisaged, I was happy to see the protocols that Beijing 2022 has put in place are working well," Terho, a retired Finnish ice hockey player, said on social media. Some 3,000 athletes, along with coaches, officials, referees, federation delegates and media are expected for the Games, due to run from Feb. 4-20. The "closed loop" will allow them to move between accommodation and Olympic venues on official transport but they are not allowed out to move freely in public. In contrast to many countries seeking to live with COVID-19, China has isolated itself with a zero-tolerance policy, cancelling nearly all international flights. An opinion piece in the People’s Daily -- the ruling Communist Party`s official newspaper -- praised the work done to prepare for the Games and battle the spread of the virus. "The epidemic and control measures of the Beijing Winter Olympics are the epitome of China’s successful experience in fighting the epidemic, and are also a focused demonstration of China’s spirit and China’s strength." Olympic athletes and others must fly directly into the city on charter flights and are tested daily. POSITIVE TESTS Athletes, however, have also been testing positive prior to their arrival in Beijing, with the world`s leading women`s ski jumper, Marita Kramer of Austria, rescheduling her departure in an effort to get healthy in time for her competition. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: Sponsors on 'tightrope' ahead of Winter Games amid US-China tensions Kramer, who leads the women`s overall World Cup standings, tested positive in Germany, the last competition ahead of the Games. "Officials are at the moment working on a time plan in order to make it possible for the World Cup leader to take part in the Olympic Games in Beijing," the Austrian ski federation said. Russian skeleton racers, Olympic silver medallist Nikita Tregubov and Vladislav Semyonov, will miss the Games after testing positive prior to their departure, the country`s bobsleigh federation said. There was, however, good news for the Australian curling team after curler Tahli Gill returned two negative tests following an initial positive in the Chinese capital on Sunday. Gill and teammate Dean Hewitt had been in isolation for two days after she tested positive at Beijing airport. "We have treated this time as a rest day and a time to really focus on our Olympic goals," the pair said in a statement.

Winter Olympics 2022: COVID-19 cases rise among Olympic athletes, personnel arrive in Beijing

Police had warned Xie Yang, a human rights lawyer, not to go to Shanghai to visit the mother of a dissident. He went to the airport anyway.

His phone’s health code app — a digital pass indicating possible exposure to the coronavirus — was green, which meant he could travel. His home city, Changsha, had no COVID-19 cases, and he had not left in weeks.

Then his app turned red, flagging him as high risk. Airport security tried to put him in quarantine, but he resisted. Xie accused authorities of meddling with his health code to bar him from traveling.

“The Chinese Communist Party has found the best model for controlling people,” he said in December. This month, police detained Xie, a government critic, accusing him of inciting subversion and provoking trouble.

The pandemic has given Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, a powerful case for deepening the Communist Party’s reach into the lives of 1.4 billion citizens, filling out his vision of the country as a model of secure order, in contrast to the “chaos of the West.” In the two years since officials isolated the city of Wuhan in the first lockdown of the pandemic, the Chinese government has honed its powers to track and corral people, backed by upgraded technology, armies of neighborhood workers and broad public support.

Emboldened by their successes in stamping out COVID-19, Chinese officials are turning their sharpened surveillance against other risks, including crime, pollution and “hostile” political forces. This amounts to a potent techno-authoritarian tool for Xi as he intensifies his campaigns against corruption and dissent.

The foundation of the controls is the health code. Local authorities, working with tech companies, generate a user’s profile based on location, travel history, test results and other health data. The code’s color — green, yellow or red — determines whether the holder is allowed into buildings or public spaces. Its use is enforced by legions of local officials with the power to quarantine residents or restrict their movements.

These controls are key to China’s goal of stamping out the virus entirely within its borders — a strategy on which the party has staked its credibility despite the emergence of highly contagious variants. After China’s initial missteps in letting the coronavirus spread, its “zero COVID” approach has helped keep infections low, while the death toll continues to grow in the United States and elsewhere. But Chinese officials have at times been severe, isolating young children from their parents or jailing people deemed to have broken containment rules.

City officials did not respond to questions about assertions by Xie. While it is hard to know what goes on in individual cases, the government itself has signaled it wants to use these technologies in other ways.

Officials have used pandemic health monitoring systems to flush out fugitives. Some fugitives have been tracked down by their health codes. Others who avoided the apps have found life so difficult that they have surrendered.

For all of its outward sophistication, though, China’s surveillance system remains labor-intensive. And while the public has generally supported Beijing’s intrusions during the pandemic, privacy concerns are growing.

“China’s pandemic controls have really produced great results, because they can monitor down to every individual,” said Mei Haoyu, 24, an employee at a dental hospital in Hangzhou, a city in eastern China, who worked as a volunteer early in the pandemic.

“But if after the pandemic ends these means are still there for the government,” he added, “that’s a big risk for ordinary people.”

‘A Vicious Cycle Arises’&nbsp;

A COVID-19 cluster that rippled across Zhejiang province in east China late last year began with a funeral. When one attendee, a health worker, tested positive in a routine test, 100 tracers sprang into action.

Within hours, officials alerted authorities in Hangzhou, 45 miles away, that a potential carrier of the coronavirus was at large there: a man who had driven to the funeral days earlier. Government workers found and tested him — also positive.

Using digital health code records, teams of tracers plotted out a network of people to test based on where the man had been: a restaurant, a mahjong parlor, card-playing rooms. Within a couple of weeks, they stopped the chain of infections in Hangzhou — in all, 29 people there were found to be infected.

China’s capacity to trace such outbreaks has relied heavily on the health code. Residents sign up for the system by submitting their personal information in one of a range of apps. The health code is essentially required, because without it, people cannot enter buildings, restaurants or even parks. Before the pandemic, China already had a vast ability to track people using location data from cellphones; now, that monitoring is far more expansive.

In recent months, authorities in various cities have expanded their definition of close contact to include people whose cellphone signals were recorded within as much as half a mile of an infected person.

The party’s experiment in using data to control the flow of people has helped keep COVID-19 at bay. Now these same tools potentially give officials greater power to manage other challenges.

Xi has praised Hangzhou’s “City Brain” center — which pulls together data on traffic, economic activity, hospital use and public complaints — as a model for how China can use technology to address social problems.

Since 2020, Hangzhou has also used video cameras on streets to check whether residents are wearing masks. One district monitored home power consumption to check whether residents were sticking to quarantine orders. The central city of Luoyang installed sensors on the doors of residents quarantining at home, in order to notify officials if they were opened.

With so much invested, financially and politically, in technological solutions, failures can have big repercussions.

During the recent lockdown in Xi’an, a city of 13 million in northwest China, the health code system crashed twice in two weeks, disrupting the lives of residents who had to update their apps each day with proof that they had taken COVID-19 tests.

By focusing on technology and surveillance, Chinese officials may be neglecting other ways of protecting lives, such as expanding participation in public health programs, wrote Chen Yun, a scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai, in a recent assessment of China’s response to COVID-19.

The risk, she wrote, is that “a vicious cycle arises: People become increasingly marginalized, while technology and power increasingly penetrate everywhere.”

‘On Call at All Times’&nbsp;

For more than a decade, the Communist Party has been shoring up its armies of grassroots officials who carry out door-to-door surveillance. The party’s new digital apparatus has supercharged this older form of control.

China has mobilized 4.5 million so-called grid workers to fight the outbreak, according to state media — roughly 1 in every 250 adults. Under the grid management system, cities, villages and towns are divided into sections, sometimes of just a few blocks, which are then assigned to individual workers.

During normal times, their duties included pulling weeds, mediating disputes and keeping an eye on potential troublemakers.

Amid the pandemic, those duties mushroomed.

Workers were given the task of guarding residential complexes and recording the identities of all who entered. They called residents to make sure they had been tested and vaccinated, and helped those in lockdown take out their trash.

They also were given powerful new tools.

The central government has directed police, as well as internet and telephone companies, to share information about residents’ travel history with community workers so that the workers can decide whether residents are considered high-risk.

In a county in southwestern Sichuan province, the ranks of grid workers tripled to more than 300 over the course of the pandemic, said Pan Xiyu, 26, one of the new hires. Pan, who is responsible for about 2,000 residents, says she spends much of her time distributing leaflets and setting up loudspeakers to explain new measures and encourage vaccination.

The work can be exhausting. “I have to be on call at all times,” she said.

And the pressure to stifle outbreaks can make officials overzealous, prioritizing adherence to the rules no matter the cost.

During the lockdown of Xi’an, hospital workers refused medical care to a woman who was eight months pregnant because her COVID-19 test result had expired hours earlier. She lost the baby, an episode that inspired widespread public fury. But some blamed the heavy burden placed upon low-level workers to stamp out infections.

“In their view, it’s always preferable to go too far than be too soft-handed, but that’s the pressure created by the environment nowadays,” Li Naitang, a retired worker in Xi’an, said of local officials.

Still, for defenders of China’s stringent measures, the results are undeniable. The country has recorded only 3.3 coronavirus deaths per 1 million residents, compared with about 2,600 per 1 million in the U.S. In mid-January, Xi’an officials announced zero new infections; this past week, the lockdown was lifted entirely.

‘You’ll Never Be Lost’

The government’s success in limiting infections means its strategy has earned something that has proved elusive in many other countries: widespread support.

Pan said her job was easier now than at the start of the pandemic. Then, residents often argued when told to scan their health codes or wear masks. Now, she said, people have come to accept the health measures.

“Everybody takes them more and more seriously and is very cooperative,” she said.

Indeed, many Chinese fear that loosening controls could leave room for a resurgence of COVID-19, said Shen Maohua, a blogger in Shanghai who has written about the pandemic and privacy concerns under his pen name, Wei Zhou.

“For many people, I think, it’s actually a kind of mental trade-off,” he said. “They’re giving up some rights in return for absolute security.”

The question is how long people will continue to find that exchange worthwhile. Already, social media users have complained about the apparent arbitrariness with which they can find themselves blocked from traveling because of software glitches or policies that vary by city.

Even officials have acknowledged the problems. A state-run news outlet this month published an analysis of each province’s criteria for a health code to turn from green to yellow. It concluded that, for most provinces, the answer was unclear.

“You never know if your planned itinerary will be canceled, or if your travel plans can be realized,” the article said.

Some government critics warn that the costs will go far beyond inconvenience.

Wang Yu, a well-known human rights lawyer, says she believes authorities have weaponized the health code to try to stop her from working. In November, as she was returning to Beijing after a work trip, she tried to log her travel on her health code app, as required. But when she selected Jiangsu province, the drop-down menu listed only one city, Changzhou, where she had not been and which had just recorded several infections. If she chose that, she would most likely be refused entry to Beijing.

In the past, security officers had to physically follow her to interfere with her work. Now, she worries, they can restrict her movements from afar.

“Wherever you go, you’ll never be lost,” said Wang, who stayed with relatives in Tianjin until her app abruptly returned to normal a month later.

Less high-profile critics are vulnerable, too. Several local governments have pledged to keep a close eye on petitioners — people who travel to Beijing or other cities to lodge complaints about officials — because of their supposed potential to violate travel restrictions.

The health code “can also easily be used as a dirty trick for stability maintenance,” said Lin Yingqiang, a longtime petitioner from Fuzhou, in southeastern China. He said that he was taken off a train by police before a party leaders’ meeting in November. His health code app turned yellow, requiring that he return to Fuzhou for quarantine, although he had not been anywhere near a confirmed case.

Officials have openly promoted using virus control measures in ways unlinked to the pandemic. In the Guangxi region of southern China, a judge noticed that the grid workers’ accounting of local residents was “more thorough than the census.” That gave him an idea.

“Why not use this opportunity to have epidemic grid workers find people we couldn’t find before, or send summonses to places that were hard to reach before?” he said, according to a local news report. Eighteen summonses were successfully delivered as a result.

Local governments across China have sought to assure people that their health code data will not be abused. The central government has also issued regulations promising data privacy. But many Chinese people assume that authorities can acquire whatever information they want, no matter the rules.

Zan Aizong, a former journalist in Hangzhou, says the expansion of surveillance could make it even easier for authorities to break up dissenters’ activities. He has refused to use the health code, but it means moving around is difficult, and he finds it hard to explain his reasoning to workers at checkpoints.

“I can’t tell them the truth — that I’m resisting the health code over surveillance,” he said, “because if I mentioned resistance, they’d think that was ridiculous.”

Police had warned Xie Yang, a human rights lawyer, not to go to Shanghai to visit the mother of a dissident. He went to the airport anyway. His phone’s health code app — a digital pass indicating possible exposure to the coronavirus — was green, which meant he could travel.

Police had warned Xie Yang, a human rights lawyer, not to go to Shanghai to visit the mother of a dissident. He went to the airport anyway. His phone’s health code app — a digital pass indicating possible exposure to the coronavirus — was green, which meant he could travel. His home city, Changsha, had no COVID-19 cases, and he had not left in weeks. Then his app turned red, flagging him as high risk. Airport security tried to put him in quarantine, but he resisted. Xie accused authorities of meddling with his health code to bar him from traveling. “The Chinese Communist Party has found the best model for controlling people,” he said in December. This month, police detained Xie, a government critic, accusing him of inciting subversion and provoking trouble. The pandemic has given Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, a powerful case for deepening the Communist Party’s reach into the lives of 1.4 billion citizens, filling out his vision of the country as a model of secure order, in contrast to the “chaos of the West.” In the two years since officials isolated the city of Wuhan in the first lockdown of the pandemic, the Chinese government has honed its powers to track and corral people, backed by upgraded technology, armies of neighborhood workers and broad public support. Emboldened by their successes in stamping out COVID-19, Chinese officials are turning their sharpened surveillance against other risks, including crime, pollution and “hostile” political forces. This amounts to a potent techno-authoritarian tool for Xi as he intensifies his campaigns against corruption and dissent. The foundation of the controls is the health code. Local authorities, working with tech companies, generate a user’s profile based on location, travel history, test results and other health data. The code’s color — green, yellow or red — determines whether the holder is allowed into buildings or public spaces. Its use is enforced by legions of local officials with the power to quarantine residents or restrict their movements. These controls are key to China’s goal of stamping out the virus entirely within its borders — a strategy on which the party has staked its credibility despite the emergence of highly contagious variants. After China’s initial missteps in letting the coronavirus spread, its “zero COVID” approach has helped keep infections low, while the death toll continues to grow in the United States and elsewhere. But Chinese officials have at times been severe, isolating young children from their parents or jailing people deemed to have broken containment rules. City officials did not respond to questions about assertions by Xie. While it is hard to know what goes on in individual cases, the government itself has signaled it wants to use these technologies in other ways. Officials have used pandemic health monitoring systems to flush out fugitives. Some fugitives have been tracked down by their health codes. Others who avoided the apps have found life so difficult that they have surrendered. For all of its outward sophistication, though, China’s surveillance system remains labor-intensive. And while the public has generally supported Beijing’s intrusions during the pandemic, privacy concerns are growing. “China’s pandemic controls have really produced great results, because they can monitor down to every individual,” said Mei Haoyu, 24, an employee at a dental hospital in Hangzhou, a city in eastern China, who worked as a volunteer early in the pandemic. “But if after the pandemic ends these means are still there for the government,” he added, “that’s a big risk for ordinary people.” ‘A Vicious Cycle Arises’ A COVID-19 cluster that rippled across Zhejiang province in east China late last year began with a funeral. When one attendee, a health worker, tested positive in a routine test, 100 tracers sprang into action. Within hours, officials alerted authorities in Hangzhou, 45 miles away, that a potential carrier of the coronavirus was at large there: a man who had driven to the funeral days earlier. Government workers found and tested him — also positive. Using digital health code records, teams of tracers plotted out a network of people to test based on where the man had been: a restaurant, a mahjong parlor, card-playing rooms. Within a couple of weeks, they stopped the chain of infections in Hangzhou — in all, 29 people there were found to be infected. China’s capacity to trace such outbreaks has relied heavily on the health code. Residents sign up for the system by submitting their personal information in one of a range of apps. The health code is essentially required, because without it, people cannot enter buildings, restaurants or even parks. Before the pandemic, China already had a vast ability to track people using location data from cellphones; now, that monitoring is far more expansive. In recent months, authorities in various cities have expanded their definition of close contact to include people whose cellphone signals were recorded within as much as half a mile of an infected person. The party’s experiment in using data to control the flow of people has helped keep COVID-19 at bay. Now these same tools potentially give officials greater power to manage other challenges. Xi has praised Hangzhou’s “City Brain” center — which pulls together data on traffic, economic activity, hospital use and public complaints — as a model for how China can use technology to address social problems. Since 2020, Hangzhou has also used video cameras on streets to check whether residents are wearing masks. One district monitored home power consumption to check whether residents were sticking to quarantine orders. The central city of Luoyang installed sensors on the doors of residents quarantining at home, in order to notify officials if they were opened. With so much invested, financially and politically, in technological solutions, failures can have big repercussions. During the recent lockdown in Xi’an, a city of 13 million in northwest China, the health code system crashed twice in two weeks, disrupting the lives of residents who had to update their apps each day with proof that they had taken COVID-19 tests. By focusing on technology and surveillance, Chinese officials may be neglecting other ways of protecting lives, such as expanding participation in public health programs, wrote Chen Yun, a scholar at Fudan University in Shanghai, in a recent assessment of China’s response to COVID-19. The risk, she wrote, is that “a vicious cycle arises: People become increasingly marginalized, while technology and power increasingly penetrate everywhere.” ‘On Call at All Times’ For more than a decade, the Communist Party has been shoring up its armies of grassroots officials who carry out door-to-door surveillance. The party’s new digital apparatus has supercharged this older form of control. China has mobilized 4.5 million so-called grid workers to fight the outbreak, according to state media — roughly 1 in every 250 adults. Under the grid management system, cities, villages and towns are divided into sections, sometimes of just a few blocks, which are then assigned to individual workers. During normal times, their duties included pulling weeds, mediating disputes and keeping an eye on potential troublemakers. Amid the pandemic, those duties mushroomed. Workers were given the task of guarding residential complexes and recording the identities of all who entered. They called residents to make sure they had been tested and vaccinated, and helped those in lockdown take out their trash. They also were given powerful new tools. The central government has directed police, as well as internet and telephone companies, to share information about residents’ travel history with community workers so that the workers can decide whether residents are considered high-risk. In a county in southwestern Sichuan province, the ranks of grid workers tripled to more than 300 over the course of the pandemic, said Pan Xiyu, 26, one of the new hires. Pan, who is responsible for about 2,000 residents, says she spends much of her time distributing leaflets and setting up loudspeakers to explain new measures and encourage vaccination. The work can be exhausting. “I have to be on call at all times,” she said. And the pressure to stifle outbreaks can make officials overzealous, prioritizing adherence to the rules no matter the cost. During the lockdown of Xi’an, hospital workers refused medical care to a woman who was eight months pregnant because her COVID-19 test result had expired hours earlier. She lost the baby, an episode that inspired widespread public fury. But some blamed the heavy burden placed upon low-level workers to stamp out infections. “In their view, it’s always preferable to go too far than be too soft-handed, but that’s the pressure created by the environment nowadays,” Li Naitang, a retired worker in Xi’an, said of local officials. Still, for defenders of China’s stringent measures, the results are undeniable. The country has recorded only 3.3 coronavirus deaths per 1 million residents, compared with about 2,600 per 1 million in the U.S. In mid-January, Xi’an officials announced zero new infections; this past week, the lockdown was lifted entirely. ‘You’ll Never Be Lost’ The government’s success in limiting infections means its strategy has earned something that has proved elusive in many other countries: widespread support. Pan said her job was easier now than at the start of the pandemic. Then, residents often argued when told to scan their health codes or wear masks. Now, she said, people have come to accept the health measures. “Everybody takes them more and more seriously and is very cooperative,” she said. Indeed, many Chinese fear that loosening controls could leave room for a resurgence of COVID-19, said Shen Maohua, a blogger in Shanghai who has written about the pandemic and privacy concerns under his pen name, Wei Zhou. “For many people, I think, it’s actually a kind of mental trade-off,” he said. “They’re giving up some rights in return for absolute security.” The question is how long people will continue to find that exchange worthwhile. Already, social media users have complained about the apparent arbitrariness with which they can find themselves blocked from traveling because of software glitches or policies that vary by city. Even officials have acknowledged the problems. A state-run news outlet this month published an analysis of each province’s criteria for a health code to turn from green to yellow. It concluded that, for most provinces, the answer was unclear. “You never know if your planned itinerary will be canceled, or if your travel plans can be realized,” the article said. Some government critics warn that the costs will go far beyond inconvenience. Wang Yu, a well-known human rights lawyer, says she believes authorities have weaponized the health code to try to stop her from working. In November, as she was returning to Beijing after a work trip, she tried to log her travel on her health code app, as required. But when she selected Jiangsu province, the drop-down menu listed only one city, Changzhou, where she had not been and which had just recorded several infections. If she chose that, she would most likely be refused entry to Beijing. In the past, security officers had to physically follow her to interfere with her work. Now, she worries, they can restrict her movements from afar. “Wherever you go, you’ll never be lost,” said Wang, who stayed with relatives in Tianjin until her app abruptly returned to normal a month later. Less high-profile critics are vulnerable, too. Several local governments have pledged to keep a close eye on petitioners — people who travel to Beijing or other cities to lodge complaints about officials — because of their supposed potential to violate travel restrictions. The health code “can also easily be used as a dirty trick for stability maintenance,” said Lin Yingqiang, a longtime petitioner from Fuzhou, in southeastern China. He said that he was taken off a train by police before a party leaders’ meeting in November. His health code app turned yellow, requiring that he return to Fuzhou for quarantine, although he had not been anywhere near a confirmed case. Officials have openly promoted using virus control measures in ways unlinked to the pandemic. In the Guangxi region of southern China, a judge noticed that the grid workers’ accounting of local residents was “more thorough than the census.” That gave him an idea. “Why not use this opportunity to have epidemic grid workers find people we couldn’t find before, or send summonses to places that were hard to reach before?” he said, according to a local news report. Eighteen summonses were successfully delivered as a result. Local governments across China have sought to assure people that their health code data will not be abused. The central government has also issued regulations promising data privacy. But many Chinese people assume that authorities can acquire whatever information they want, no matter the rules. Zan Aizong, a former journalist in Hangzhou, says the expansion of surveillance could make it even easier for authorities to break up dissenters’ activities. He has refused to use the health code, but it means moving around is difficult, and he finds it hard to explain his reasoning to workers at checkpoints. “I can’t tell them the truth — that I’m resisting the health code over surveillance,” he said, “because if I mentioned resistance, they’d think that was ridiculous.”

Living by the code: In China, COVID-era controls may outlast the virus

Thirty-four new COVID-19 infections were detected among Olympics-related personnel, the Beijing 2022 Winter Games organising committee said on Sunday, including Poland`s short track medal hopeful Natalia Maliszewska.

Of those, 13 were athletes or team officials who tested positive after arriving at the airport on Saturday. Of the total infections, 23 were among new airport arrivals, while 11 were people already in the "closed loop" bubble that separates event personnel from the public in an effort to curb the spread of infections.

The loop allows Games participants to move freely between their accommodations and Olympic venues on official transport, but they are not allowed to move freely in the city. All Games stakeholders, including media and staff, are also tested daily.

Maliszewska is the eighth Polish athlete to have tested positive and has gone into isolation, the Polish Olympic Committee said on Sunday. She joins infected fellow speedskaters Natalia Czerwonka, Magdalena Czyszczon and Marek Kania in isolation.

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With the 500m heats set to start on Saturday, Maliszewska is in a race against time to compete. Athletes who test positive and show no symptoms are to be discharged from isolation only if they provide two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart.

Australia announced a positive COVID-19 test on Sunday among its team members but did not say whether it was an athlete or coaching staff. 
Team chief Geoff Lipshut said the positive test was concerning but was so far only one case and the infected person had no close contact with other team members, which would have forced others into quarantine.

"There is no angst or stress about this unexpected situation and everyone is prepared," Lipshut told reporters. 
Beijing Games organisers have warned of more cases in coming days as the Chinese capital enforces stringent measures, restricting movement and contact of any Games participant with the local population.

Unlike many countries seeking to live with COVID-19, China has isolated itself with a zero-tolerance policy, cancelling nearly all international flights. Olympic athletes and others must fly directly into the city on charter flights.

Thirty-four new COVID-19 infections were detected among Olympics-related personnel, the Beijing 2022 Winter Games organising committee said on Sunday, including Poland`s short track medal hopeful Natalia Maliszewska.

Thirty-four new COVID-19 infections were detected among Olympics-related personnel, the Beijing 2022 Winter Games organising committee said on Sunday, including Poland`s short track medal hopeful Natalia Maliszewska. Of those, 13 were athletes or team officials who tested positive after arriving at the airport on Saturday. Of the total infections, 23 were among new airport arrivals, while 11 were people already in the "closed loop" bubble that separates event personnel from the public in an effort to curb the spread of infections. The loop allows Games participants to move freely between their accommodations and Olympic venues on official transport, but they are not allowed to move freely in the city. All Games stakeholders, including media and staff, are also tested daily. Maliszewska is the eighth Polish athlete to have tested positive and has gone into isolation, the Polish Olympic Committee said on Sunday. She joins infected fellow speedskaters Natalia Czerwonka, Magdalena Czyszczon and Marek Kania in isolation. Read Also | Beijing Olympics: Sponsors on 'tightrope' ahead of Winter Games amid US-China tensions With the 500m heats set to start on Saturday, Maliszewska is in a race against time to compete. Athletes who test positive and show no symptoms are to be discharged from isolation only if they provide two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart. Australia announced a positive COVID-19 test on Sunday among its team members but did not say whether it was an athlete or coaching staff. Team chief Geoff Lipshut said the positive test was concerning but was so far only one case and the infected person had no close contact with other team members, which would have forced others into quarantine. "There is no angst or stress about this unexpected situation and everyone is prepared," Lipshut told reporters. Beijing Games organisers have warned of more cases in coming days as the Chinese capital enforces stringent measures, restricting movement and contact of any Games participant with the local population. Unlike many countries seeking to live with COVID-19, China has isolated itself with a zero-tolerance policy, cancelling nearly all international flights. Olympic athletes and others must fly directly into the city on charter flights.

Beijing Olympics: China reports 34 new COVID-19 cases among Games-related personnel

Ahead of Beijing Winter Games, sponsors of the Olympics are walking a tightrope as worsening geopolitical tensions force them to consider downplaying their involvement without upsetting China.

Political fervour in the United States reached a high last month as the White House called for a diplomatic boycott of the Games, a statement against human rights abuses that Washington has accused Beijing of perpetuating in the country`s western Xinjiang region.

Mark DiMassimo, the founder and creative chief of DiGo, an advertising agency in New York, said sponsors appear to be downplaying their involvement, at least in the lead-up to the Games.

"You don`t see the typical promotion of their Olympics advertising in advance. You`d be typically seeing it at this time, and we`re not," CNN quoting him reported, adding "I think they`re trying not to make themselves the story."

The United States call for a diplomatic boycott of the Games in past months over the human rights abuses in China western Xinjiang region, have added to pressure on multinational corporations which in recent months have faced calls to cut ties with the event because of Xinjiang, CNN reported.

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According to CNN, critics question the value of sponsoring an event that won`t be selling tickets to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic curbs.

Tension arises when the US joined in its diplomatic boycott by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Denmark, which each announced they would not be sending any government delegations to the events.

However, China, for its part has called on the international community to "depoliticize" sports and warned that countries could "pay the price for their mistaken acts.

"According to DiMassimo, the Chinese government has also repeatedly denied all allegations of human rights abuses. But for businesses, the diplomatic firestorm set off a gigantic scramble. There were "lots of late-night Zoom calls and meetings as advertisers tried to figure out what to do," he said, referring to the aftermath of the US boycott.

Meanwhile, experts say that the Olympics` top partners collectively pay billions of dollars to sponsor the Games, including fees paid to organizers and additional marketing costs.But analysts suspect their advertising push this year might be a lot more muted than that number would merit.

Ahead of Beijing Winter Games, sponsors of the Olympics are walking a tightrope as worsening geopolitical tensions force them to consider downplaying their involvement without upsetting China.

Ahead of Beijing Winter Games, sponsors of the Olympics are walking a tightrope as worsening geopolitical tensions force them to consider downplaying their involvement without upsetting China. Political fervour in the United States reached a high last month as the White House called for a diplomatic boycott of the Games, a statement against human rights abuses that Washington has accused Beijing of perpetuating in the country`s western Xinjiang region. Mark DiMassimo, the founder and creative chief of DiGo, an advertising agency in New York, said sponsors appear to be downplaying their involvement, at least in the lead-up to the Games. "You don`t see the typical promotion of their Olympics advertising in advance. You`d be typically seeing it at this time, and we`re not," CNN quoting him reported, adding "I think they`re trying not to make themselves the story." The United States call for a diplomatic boycott of the Games in past months over the human rights abuses in China western Xinjiang region, have added to pressure on multinational corporations which in recent months have faced calls to cut ties with the event because of Xinjiang, CNN reported. Read Also | Beijing Olympics organising committee reports 12 COVID-19 cases among arrivals According to CNN, critics question the value of sponsoring an event that won`t be selling tickets to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic curbs. Tension arises when the US joined in its diplomatic boycott by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Denmark, which each announced they would not be sending any government delegations to the events. However, China, for its part has called on the international community to "depoliticize" sports and warned that countries could "pay the price for their mistaken acts. "According to DiMassimo, the Chinese government has also repeatedly denied all allegations of human rights abuses. But for businesses, the diplomatic firestorm set off a gigantic scramble. There were "lots of late-night Zoom calls and meetings as advertisers tried to figure out what to do," he said, referring to the aftermath of the US boycott. Meanwhile, experts say that the Olympics` top partners collectively pay billions of dollars to sponsor the Games, including fees paid to organizers and additional marketing costs.But analysts suspect their advertising push this year might be a lot more muted than that number would merit.

Beijing Olympics: Sponsors on 'tightrope' ahead of Winter Games amid US-China tensions

As China is set to host Winter Olympics on Friday next week, the organizing committee for the games informed that 12 cases of COVID-19 have been detected within the past 24 hours among those arriving for the event.

Sputnik News Agency reported that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games on Friday said that a total of 1,682 people arrived in China for the Games on Thursday including 1,042 athletes and team officials and 640 other stakeholders.

After PCR-testing at the airport, infection was confirmed in 10 of them including two athletes and team members. Two more positive cases were detected among stakeholders who had arrived in Beijing beforehand and were retested, the committee said, according to Sputnik.

On Thursday, the committee said about 15 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in stakeholders who arrived at the Games, but no athlete tested positive. The 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing will be declared open on February 4 and will run until February 20.

As China is set to host Winter Olympics on Friday next week, the organizing committee for the games informed that 12 cases of COVID-19 have been detected within the past 24 hours among those arriving for the event.

As China is set to host Winter Olympics on Friday next week, the organizing committee for the games informed that 12 cases of COVID-19 have been detected within the past 24 hours among those arriving for the event. Sputnik News Agency reported that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games on Friday said that a total of 1,682 people arrived in China for the Games on Thursday including 1,042 athletes and team officials and 640 other stakeholders. After PCR-testing at the airport, infection was confirmed in 10 of them including two athletes and team members. Two more positive cases were detected among stakeholders who had arrived in Beijing beforehand and were retested, the committee said, according to Sputnik. On Thursday, the committee said about 15 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in stakeholders who arrived at the Games, but no athlete tested positive. The 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing will be declared open on February 4 and will run until February 20.

Beijing Olympics organising committee reports 12 COVID-19 cases among arrivals

The International Olympic Committee talked with Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai last week and will meet her in Beijing during next month`s Winter Olympics, it said on Wednesday.

Peng`s situation became a matter of concern in November when the former women`s number one doubles player alleged that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past. After that social media post, she was absent from public view for nearly three weeks.

Last month Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her, and that the post she made had been misunderstood. Zhang has not commented on the matter.

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"Since the first call that the IOC held with Peng Shuai on 21 November 2021, the IOC team has kept in touch with her and had a number of conversations with her – the last one just the past week," an IOC spokesperson said.

"She mentioned again that she is looking forward to a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach and Emma Terho, the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, to which we had invited her in the first conversation."

The IOC has had several phone calls with the player but international concerns over her safety and wellbeing have not been allayed. 
The Women`s Tennis Association has suspended tournaments in China due to its concerns over Peng`s safety.

China has not directly commented on Peng`s initial post, but said after the WTA`s move that it "opposes the politicisation of sports". 
The Beijing Olympics will start on Feb. 4.

The International Olympic Committee talked with Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai last week and will meet her in Beijing during next month`s Winter Olympics, it said on Wednesday.

The International Olympic Committee talked with Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai last week and will meet her in Beijing during next month`s Winter Olympics, it said on Wednesday. Peng`s situation became a matter of concern in November when the former women`s number one doubles player alleged that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past. After that social media post, she was absent from public view for nearly three weeks. Last month Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her, and that the post she made had been misunderstood. Zhang has not commented on the matter. Read Also | China warns about pollution ahead of Beijing 2022; COVID curbs eased "Since the first call that the IOC held with Peng Shuai on 21 November 2021, the IOC team has kept in touch with her and had a number of conversations with her – the last one just the past week," an IOC spokesperson said. "She mentioned again that she is looking forward to a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach and Emma Terho, the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, to which we had invited her in the first conversation." The IOC has had several phone calls with the player but international concerns over her safety and wellbeing have not been allayed. The Women`s Tennis Association has suspended tournaments in China due to its concerns over Peng`s safety. China has not directly commented on Peng`s initial post, but said after the WTA`s move that it "opposes the politicisation of sports". The Beijing Olympics will start on Feb. 4.

IOC says it talked to China's Peng Shuai last week and will meet tennis player in Beijing

China has vowed to ''purge'' the internet ahead of the Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics.

The announcement has been made by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which aims to &nbsp;create a "healthy, happy, and peaceful online environment."

The move expands the crackdown on the internet sector in China, as regulators seek to strengthen data privacy and consumer rights and curtail anti-competitive practices in order to curb the outsized influence of technology companies.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-wants-to-purify-the-internet-447582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China's cyber regulatory body issued draft rules governing mobile apps, including a requirement for security reviews of apps whose functions could influence public opinion.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The proposed regulations are part of its campaign run to increase oversight of the country's tech companies.</div>

The proposals will require application providers to carry out a security assessment before launching "new technologies, new applications, and new functions" capable of influencing opinion or mobilising the public.

The regulator added that mobile app providers must not conduct activities that endanger national security, or force users to share non-essential personal information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-year-china-went-rogue-on-itself-will-crackdowns-hamper-economic-growth-439871" hreflang="en">The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth?</a>

The CAC said it would focus on cyberbullying and the spreading of online rumours, as well as any online behaviours that could be considered to be showing off lavish lifestyles, encouraging the worship of money or superstition.

It will also strictly prevent "illegal and immoral" celebrities from holding any online events that could help them make a comeback, it added.

The fanfare ahead of next month's Beijing's Winter Olympics is building in China but President Xi Jinping appeared to play down focus on the medals table.

"I don't care how many gold medals Chinese athletes win this time, I care more about the motivation and vitality it will inject into us in the future," Xi told visiting International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has vowed to ''purge'' the internet ahead of the Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics. The announcement has been made by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which aims to create a "healthy, happy, and peaceful online environment.

China has vowed to ''purge'' the internet ahead of the Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics. The announcement has been made by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which aims to create a "healthy, happy, and peaceful online environment." The move expands the crackdown on the internet sector in China, as regulators seek to strengthen data privacy and consumer rights and curtail anti-competitive practices in order to curb the outsized influence of technology companies. China's cyber regulatory body issued draft rules governing mobile apps, including a requirement for security reviews of apps whose functions could influence public opinion. The proposed regulations are part of its campaign run to increase oversight of the country's tech companies. The proposals will require application providers to carry out a security assessment before launching "new technologies, new applications, and new functions" capable of influencing opinion or mobilising the public. The regulator added that mobile app providers must not conduct activities that endanger national security, or force users to share non-essential personal information. Also read | The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth? The CAC said it would focus on cyberbullying and the spreading of online rumours, as well as any online behaviours that could be considered to be showing off lavish lifestyles, encouraging the worship of money or superstition. It will also strictly prevent "illegal and immoral" celebrities from holding any online events that could help them make a comeback, it added. The fanfare ahead of next month's Beijing's Winter Olympics is building in China but President Xi Jinping appeared to play down focus on the medals table. "I don't care how many gold medals Chinese athletes win this time, I care more about the motivation and vitality it will inject into us in the future," Xi told visiting International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics, China vows to 'purge' internet

Organisers of next month`s Beijing Winter Olympics slightly eased the strict COVID-19 requirements for participants, a move that means fewer athletes are likely to be tripped up by positive tests, although authorities also warned about seasonal air pollution.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the changes on Monday, which included easing the threshold for being designated positive for COVID-19 from PCR tests and reducing to seven days from 14 days the period for which a person is deemed a close contact.

The changes, which take effect immediately and apply retrospectively, "have been developed in order to further adapt to the reality of the current environment and support the Games participants", the IOC said in a statement.

The slight relaxing of rules for Games participants comes despite China`s scramble to contain local flare-ups of COVID-19, including in Beijing, with four more Chinese provinces finding infections linked to the Beijing cluster amid the Lunar New Year travel season.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/72-cases-of-covid-19-detected-among-early-arrivals-at-beijing-games-none-athletes-446952">72 cases of COVID-19 detected among early arrivals at Beijing Games, none athletes</a>

Organisers also began reporting data on positive COVID-19 tests among Games-related personnel, with 177 confirmed cases found among 3,115 international arrivals from Jan. 4 to Jan. 23, just one of which was among an athlete or support staffer, according to Beijing 2022 data released Sunday and Monday.

China`s strict COVID-19 protocols have led some team officials to express fear of athletes, including those who have recovered from coronavirus, being blocked from participating.

The changes mean that now only participants whose PCR results show a Cycle Threshold (CT) of less than 35 will be considered positive. Previously, the more sensitive CT of 40 was the threshold for designating those positive, the Games` medical chief, Brian McCloskey, said on Sunday.

The Games are set to take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20 inside a "closed loop" bubble separating all personnel from the public amid what is effectively a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy in China that has led it to all but shut its border to international arrivals.

Final preparations are taking place amid the global surge in the highly infectious Omicron coronavirus variant. Organisers said last week that tickets would not be sold to the public.

SMOG WARNING

Meanwhile, the Chinese capital`s notorious smog, which has drastically improved in recent years, emerged as a potential Games irritant on Monday when China`s Ministry of Ecology and Environment warned that winter weather was "very unfavourable" for efforts to keep the air clean.

Read also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/winter-olympics-some-people-may-not-make-it-athletes-risk-failing-beijing-covid-19-tests-says-ioc-expert-446286">Winter Olympics: 'Some people may not make it, athletes risk failing Beijing COVID-19 tests', says IOC expert</a>

Beijing has been enveloped for days in thick smog, with concentrations of hazardous airborne particles known as PM2.5 at 205 micrograms per cubic metre on Monday morning. The World Health Organization recommends levels of no more than 5.

Since China won the bid for the Winter Olympics in 2015, authorities have raised vehicle fuel standards, shut polluting firms and cut coal consumption in a bid to make the Games "green".

Authorities will take action against polluters in Beijing and neighbouring Hebei province if there are warnings of heavy pollution during the Olympics to ensure that they will be held in a "good environment", environment ministry spokesman Liu Youbin said on Monday.

In addition to COVID-19 and pollution, preparations for the Games have been clouded by a diplomatic boycott by countries including the United States over China`s human rights record. China says that betrays Olympic principles and denies rights abuses.

Organisers of next month`s Beijing Winter Olympics slightly eased the strict COVID-19 requirements for participants, a move that means fewer athletes are likely to be tripped up by positive tests, although authorities also warned about seasonal air pollution.

Organisers of next month`s Beijing Winter Olympics slightly eased the strict COVID-19 requirements for participants, a move that means fewer athletes are likely to be tripped up by positive tests, although authorities also warned about seasonal air pollution. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the changes on Monday, which included easing the threshold for being designated positive for COVID-19 from PCR tests and reducing to seven days from 14 days the period for which a person is deemed a close contact. The changes, which take effect immediately and apply retrospectively, "have been developed in order to further adapt to the reality of the current environment and support the Games participants", the IOC said in a statement. The slight relaxing of rules for Games participants comes despite China`s scramble to contain local flare-ups of COVID-19, including in Beijing, with four more Chinese provinces finding infections linked to the Beijing cluster amid the Lunar New Year travel season. Read Also | 72 cases of COVID-19 detected among early arrivals at Beijing Games, none athletes Organisers also began reporting data on positive COVID-19 tests among Games-related personnel, with 177 confirmed cases found among 3,115 international arrivals from Jan. 4 to Jan. 23, just one of which was among an athlete or support staffer, according to Beijing 2022 data released Sunday and Monday. China`s strict COVID-19 protocols have led some team officials to express fear of athletes, including those who have recovered from coronavirus, being blocked from participating. The changes mean that now only participants whose PCR results show a Cycle Threshold (CT) of less than 35 will be considered positive. Previously, the more sensitive CT of 40 was the threshold for designating those positive, the Games` medical chief, Brian McCloskey, said on Sunday. The Games are set to take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20 inside a "closed loop" bubble separating all personnel from the public amid what is effectively a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy in China that has led it to all but shut its border to international arrivals. Final preparations are taking place amid the global surge in the highly infectious Omicron coronavirus variant. Organisers said last week that tickets would not be sold to the public. SMOG WARNING Meanwhile, the Chinese capital`s notorious smog, which has drastically improved in recent years, emerged as a potential Games irritant on Monday when China`s Ministry of Ecology and Environment warned that winter weather was "very unfavourable" for efforts to keep the air clean. Read also | Winter Olympics: 'Some people may not make it, athletes risk failing Beijing COVID-19 tests', says IOC expert Beijing has been enveloped for days in thick smog, with concentrations of hazardous airborne particles known as PM2.5 at 205 micrograms per cubic metre on Monday morning. The World Health Organization recommends levels of no more than 5. Since China won the bid for the Winter Olympics in 2015, authorities have raised vehicle fuel standards, shut polluting firms and cut coal consumption in a bid to make the Games "green". Authorities will take action against polluters in Beijing and neighbouring Hebei province if there are warnings of heavy pollution during the Olympics to ensure that they will be held in a "good environment", environment ministry spokesman Liu Youbin said on Monday. In addition to COVID-19 and pollution, preparations for the Games have been clouded by a diplomatic boycott by countries including the United States over China`s human rights record. China says that betrays Olympic principles and denies rights abuses.

China warns about pollution ahead of Beijing 2022; COVID curbs eased

Beijing Olympics organisers said on Sunday that they had confirmed 72 cases of COVID-19 among 2,586 Games-related personnel entering China from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22, with no cases among 171 athletes and team officials arriving in that period.

Final preparations are taking place for the Winter Games amid a global surge in cases of the highly infectious Omicron coronavirus variant. The Games are set to take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20 inside a "closed loop" bubble that separates all event personnel from the public.

Of the confirmed cases, 39 were found in testing at the airport and 33 inside the loop, organisers said. Participants in the bubble are subject to daily testing, with 336,421 PCR tests administered from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/winter-olympics-some-people-may-not-make-it-athletes-risk-failing-beijing-covid-19-tests-says-ioc-expert-446286">Winter Olympics: 'Some people may not make it, athletes risk failing Beijing COVID-19 tests', says IOC expert</a>

All Games participants need two negative PCR test results within 96 hours of their departure to China, and most are travelling on specially arranged charter flights.

Last week, organisers said that tickets for the Olympics would not be sold to the general public due to COVID-19, and would instead be distributed to groups of people who would be required to undertake strict prevention measures before, during and after attending events.

China has managed to contain domestic outbreaks of COVID-19 since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, and has all but shut its borders to international arrivals.

On Sunday, Beijing`s city government introduced further measures to contain COVID-19 after finding nine locally transmitted cases the previous day.

Beijing Olympics organisers said on Sunday that they had confirmed 72 cases of COVID-19 among 2,586 Games-related personnel entering China from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22, with no cases among 171 athletes and team officials arriving in that period.

Beijing Olympics organisers said on Sunday that they had confirmed 72 cases of COVID-19 among 2,586 Games-related personnel entering China from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22, with no cases among 171 athletes and team officials arriving in that period. Final preparations are taking place for the Winter Games amid a global surge in cases of the highly infectious Omicron coronavirus variant. The Games are set to take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20 inside a "closed loop" bubble that separates all event personnel from the public. Of the confirmed cases, 39 were found in testing at the airport and 33 inside the loop, organisers said. Participants in the bubble are subject to daily testing, with 336,421 PCR tests administered from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22. Read Also | Winter Olympics: 'Some people may not make it, athletes risk failing Beijing COVID-19 tests', says IOC expert All Games participants need two negative PCR test results within 96 hours of their departure to China, and most are travelling on specially arranged charter flights. Last week, organisers said that tickets for the Olympics would not be sold to the general public due to COVID-19, and would instead be distributed to groups of people who would be required to undertake strict prevention measures before, during and after attending events. China has managed to contain domestic outbreaks of COVID-19 since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, and has all but shut its borders to international arrivals. On Sunday, Beijing`s city government introduced further measures to contain COVID-19 after finding nine locally transmitted cases the previous day.

72 cases of COVID-19 detected among early arrivals at Beijing Games, none athletes

Strict COVID-19 testing requirements for the Beijing Winter Olympics could see more athletes from high-risk Omicron regions banned from participating, but the system in place will be as flexible as possible, an Olympic medical adviser told Reuters.

Experts have warned that China`s strict "zero-COVID" strategy, as well as its more sensitive testing protocols, could see more athletes excluded from the Games scheduled to take place between Feb. 4 and Feb. 20 - especially from regions that have seen a spike in the highly infectious Omicron variant.

"Some people might not make it, but we are trying to put in place ways in which they can prove with extra testing that although they did have Omicron, they are no longer infectious and can be allowed into China," said Brian McCloskey, a member of the International Olympic Committee`s&nbsp;Medical Expert Panel&nbsp;advising on health measures.

"But it is the countries that saw the early spike in cases that will be the most engaged with it (the testing system)," he told Reuters. 
The Games will proceed in a "closed loop" that will keep overseas athletes from mingling with the Chinese population, and China has also as a precaution restricted spectator ticket allocations.

Read Also&nbsp; |<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/national-olympic-committees-advise-athletes-to-carry-burner-phones-in-beijing-olympics-446260">&nbsp;National Olympic Committees advise athletes to carry burner phones in Beijing Olympics</a>

While some countries are trying to manage the transition from "pandemic" to "endemic", China has focused on stamping out new transmission chains as soon as they arise.

That involves a stringent quarantine policy, city-wide lockdowns and mass testing programmes that kick in as soon as any outbreaks occur, and hosting the Winter Olympics is a major test, said McCloskey.

"They are taking a risk on their zero-COVID strategy that they wouldn`t have had to take if they didn`t have the Olympics," he said. 
Still, the handling of Swiss snowboarder Patrizia Kummer, who is not vaccinated, shows that China is showing some flexibility, with the athlete allowed to quarantine for three weeks instead, McCloskey added.

The risks of hosting international sports events during the pandemic have come under fresh scrutiny this week after Australia deported the unvaccinated tennis star Novak Djokovic on Sunday for violating the country`s COVID-19 entry rules. 
McCloskey said that while COVID-19 was a particular challenge, public health risks have long been a major concern for Olympic organisers, with the Zika virus also testing organisers in Brazil in 2016.

"My expectation is that we will not be dealing with COVID in the same way for 2024," he said. "But we will have to have surveillance systems in place to make sure that should anything happen either in the build up to the games or during them, that we will recognise it very quickly and respond very quickly."

Strict COVID-19 testing requirements for the Beijing Winter Olympics could see more athletes from high-risk Omicron regions banned from participating, but the system in place will be as flexible as possible, an Olympic medical adviser told Reuters.

Strict COVID-19 testing requirements for the Beijing Winter Olympics could see more athletes from high-risk Omicron regions banned from participating, but the system in place will be as flexible as possible, an Olympic medical adviser told Reuters. Experts have warned that China`s strict "zero-COVID" strategy, as well as its more sensitive testing protocols, could see more athletes excluded from the Games scheduled to take place between Feb. 4 and Feb. 20 - especially from regions that have seen a spike in the highly infectious Omicron variant. "Some people might not make it, but we are trying to put in place ways in which they can prove with extra testing that although they did have Omicron, they are no longer infectious and can be allowed into China," said Brian McCloskey, a member of the International Olympic Committee`s Medical Expert Panel advising on health measures. "But it is the countries that saw the early spike in cases that will be the most engaged with it (the testing system)," he told Reuters. The Games will proceed in a "closed loop" that will keep overseas athletes from mingling with the Chinese population, and China has also as a precaution restricted spectator ticket allocations. Read Also | National Olympic Committees advise athletes to carry burner phones in Beijing Olympics While some countries are trying to manage the transition from "pandemic" to "endemic", China has focused on stamping out new transmission chains as soon as they arise. That involves a stringent quarantine policy, city-wide lockdowns and mass testing programmes that kick in as soon as any outbreaks occur, and hosting the Winter Olympics is a major test, said McCloskey. "They are taking a risk on their zero-COVID strategy that they wouldn`t have had to take if they didn`t have the Olympics," he said. Still, the handling of Swiss snowboarder Patrizia Kummer, who is not vaccinated, shows that China is showing some flexibility, with the athlete allowed to quarantine for three weeks instead, McCloskey added. The risks of hosting international sports events during the pandemic have come under fresh scrutiny this week after Australia deported the unvaccinated tennis star Novak Djokovic on Sunday for violating the country`s COVID-19 entry rules. McCloskey said that while COVID-19 was a particular challenge, public health risks have long been a major concern for Olympic organisers, with the Zika virus also testing organisers in Brazil in 2016. "My expectation is that we will not be dealing with COVID in the same way for 2024," he said. "But we will have to have surveillance systems in place to make sure that should anything happen either in the build up to the games or during them, that we will recognise it very quickly and respond very quickly."

Winter Olympics: 'Some people may not make it, athletes risk failing Beijing COVID-19 tests', says IOC expert

National Olympic Committees in some Western countries are advising their athletes to leave personal devices at home or use temporary phones due to cybersecurity concerns at next month`s Winter Games in Beijing.

Many NOCs said they will provide their athletes and staff with temporary devices to avert security risks and combat any surveillance during the Games taking place from Feb. 4-20 in China.

"It should be assumed that every text, email, online visit, and application access can be monitored or compromised," the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in an advisory.

It suggested using rental or disposable laptops and phones while in Beijing or wiping all data from personal devices before and after travelling there. It also recommended that members install virtual private networks (VPNs) on devices before leaving the States.

Despite safeguards in place to protect their systems and data, there should be "no expectation of data security or privacy while operating in China," the USOPC added.

Beijing Olympic officials could not immediately be reached for comment. 
The Canadian Olympic Committee said it has advised members to consider leaving personal devices at home and be extra diligent since the Games presented "a unique opportunity for cybercrime".

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The Swiss and Swedish committees will also provide new devices to their delegations and have briefed them on measures they can take against cybersecurity.

"We also provide information to athletes about the situation in China in cooperation with the organisation Civil Rights Defenders, so that the athletes can make their own decision about how to use personal equipment during the Olympics," the Swedish committee said.

The British Olympic Association said it had given athletes and staff practical advice with regards to taking their personal devices to Beijing and would provide temporary devices to those who wanted them.

Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant reported last week that the country`s Olympic committee will equip its team members with unused devices. Some other countries are less concerned about cybersecurity matters in Beijing, however.

The NOCs of Slovenia and Slovakia said they will not be offering temporary devices to team members, while Croatia`s NOC said it will let its delegation take their own devices and Serbia said it was planning no additional cybersecurity measures.

Separately, researchers have said the Beijing Organising Committee`s MY2022 app, which all attendees must use to monitor their health, contains security flaws that make it vulnerable to privacy breaches.

Yu Hong, head of the IOC`s technology department, said such issues were natural when developing this kind of app, which her department was constantly updating in order to tackle them.

National Olympic Committees in some Western countries are advising their athletes to leave personal devices at home or use temporary phones due to cybersecurity concerns at next month`s Winter Games in Beijing.

National Olympic Committees in some Western countries are advising their athletes to leave personal devices at home or use temporary phones due to cybersecurity concerns at next month`s Winter Games in Beijing. Many NOCs said they will provide their athletes and staff with temporary devices to avert security risks and combat any surveillance during the Games taking place from Feb. 4-20 in China. "It should be assumed that every text, email, online visit, and application access can be monitored or compromised," the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in an advisory. It suggested using rental or disposable laptops and phones while in Beijing or wiping all data from personal devices before and after travelling there. It also recommended that members install virtual private networks (VPNs) on devices before leaving the States. Despite safeguards in place to protect their systems and data, there should be "no expectation of data security or privacy while operating in China," the USOPC added. Beijing Olympic officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The Canadian Olympic Committee said it has advised members to consider leaving personal devices at home and be extra diligent since the Games presented "a unique opportunity for cybercrime". Read Also | COVID-19 prohibits public sale of Beijing Olympics tickets The Swiss and Swedish committees will also provide new devices to their delegations and have briefed them on measures they can take against cybersecurity. "We also provide information to athletes about the situation in China in cooperation with the organisation Civil Rights Defenders, so that the athletes can make their own decision about how to use personal equipment during the Olympics," the Swedish committee said. The British Olympic Association said it had given athletes and staff practical advice with regards to taking their personal devices to Beijing and would provide temporary devices to those who wanted them. Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant reported last week that the country`s Olympic committee will equip its team members with unused devices. Some other countries are less concerned about cybersecurity matters in Beijing, however. The NOCs of Slovenia and Slovakia said they will not be offering temporary devices to team members, while Croatia`s NOC said it will let its delegation take their own devices and Serbia said it was planning no additional cybersecurity measures. Separately, researchers have said the Beijing Organising Committee`s MY2022 app, which all attendees must use to monitor their health, contains security flaws that make it vulnerable to privacy breaches. Yu Hong, head of the IOC`s technology department, said such issues were natural when developing this kind of app, which her department was constantly updating in order to tackle them.

National Olympic Committees advise athletes to carry burner phones in Beijing Olympics

Tickets for the Winter Olympics set to begin on Feb. 4 will be distributed to "targeted" groups of people and will not be sold to the general public, the organising committee said on Monday, in the latest setback to the Games inflicted by COVID-19.

Organisers had said in September that there would not be any international spectators at the Games, under COVID-19 prevention policies that have all but shut China`s borders to international travellers.

It cited the "severe and complex" COVID-19 situation and the need to protect the safety of Olympics personnel and spectators in Monday`s announcement.

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Local spectators who receive tickets must observe strict COVID-19 prevention measures before, during and after attending Olympic events, the committee said. It did not give further details, or further specify how tickets would be distributed.

China, which has largely managed to curb local COVID-19 infections, is scrambling to prevent the spread of scattered outbreaks of the highly infections Omicron variant just as the busy Lunar New Year travel period begins.

The Olympics, to be held in the Chinese capital and neighbouring Hebei province, will take place in a "closed loop" that will keep athletes and other Games personnel separated from the general Chinese public. Most participants will arrive on special charter planes.

Last month, North America`s National Hockey League said its players would not participate in the Olympic tournament in Beijing due to COVID-19 disruptions of the league schedule.

Tickets for the Winter Olympics set to begin on Feb. 4 will be distributed to "targeted" groups of people and will not be sold to the general public, the organising committee said on Monday, in the latest setback to the Games inflicted by COVID-19.

Tickets for the Winter Olympics set to begin on Feb. 4 will be distributed to "targeted" groups of people and will not be sold to the general public, the organising committee said on Monday, in the latest setback to the Games inflicted by COVID-19. Organisers had said in September that there would not be any international spectators at the Games, under COVID-19 prevention policies that have all but shut China`s borders to international travellers. It cited the "severe and complex" COVID-19 situation and the need to protect the safety of Olympics personnel and spectators in Monday`s announcement. Read Also | 'You are our champion': Deported Novak Djokovic welcomed back to Serbia Local spectators who receive tickets must observe strict COVID-19 prevention measures before, during and after attending Olympic events, the committee said. It did not give further details, or further specify how tickets would be distributed. China, which has largely managed to curb local COVID-19 infections, is scrambling to prevent the spread of scattered outbreaks of the highly infections Omicron variant just as the busy Lunar New Year travel period begins. The Olympics, to be held in the Chinese capital and neighbouring Hebei province, will take place in a "closed loop" that will keep athletes and other Games personnel separated from the general Chinese public. Most participants will arrive on special charter planes. Last month, North America`s National Hockey League said its players would not participate in the Olympic tournament in Beijing due to COVID-19 disruptions of the league schedule.

COVID-19 prohibits public sale of Beijing Olympics tickets

The population of the Chinese city Tianjin is being rigorously tested after two Omicron cases were reported.

The first two cases confirmed in Tianjin were a 10-year-old girl and a 29-year-old woman working at the after-school center. Both were infected by the omicron variant.

In subsequent testing of close contacts, 18 others tested positive and 767 tested negative as of Saturday night.

The outbreak poses risks to Beijing and the upcoming Winter Olympics, because of the large number of commuters working and living in the two cities.

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According to the National Health Commission, the city emerged as a new area of concern after more than 20 Covid cases were reported there in the last few days, most of them imported from abroad.

Authorities have advised residents to stay at or near home to be available for the community-level nucleic-acid screening.&nbsp;

They have been told that until they obtain a negative test result, they will not receive a "green" code on smartphone Covid-tracing apps that nearly all people in China are now required to present when using public transport and in other situations.

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It comes after the local transmission of the imported Omicron variant was found in the southern city of Guangzhou.

China has already been struggling with a larger outbreak centred on the northwestern city of Xi'an that has sparked questioning of the country's zero-tolerance policy of strict lockdowns and immediate mass testing to curb outbreaks.

Chinese authorities have adopted draconian measures throughout the pandemic under their policy of seeking to stamp out every last case.

That “zero tolerance” policy, which has led to frequent lockdowns, universal masking, and mass testing, has not been entirely successful.

It has resulted in massive disruptions to travel and trade, but Beijing credits it with largely containing the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The population of the Chinese city Tianjin is being rigorously tested after two Omicron cases were reported. The first two cases confirmed in Tianjin were a 10-year-old girl and a 29-year-old woman working at the after-school center.

The population of the Chinese city Tianjin is being rigorously tested after two Omicron cases were reported. The first two cases confirmed in Tianjin were a 10-year-old girl and a 29-year-old woman working at the after-school center. Both were infected by the omicron variant. In subsequent testing of close contacts, 18 others tested positive and 767 tested negative as of Saturday night. The outbreak poses risks to Beijing and the upcoming Winter Olympics, because of the large number of commuters working and living in the two cities. According to the National Health Commission, the city emerged as a new area of concern after more than 20 Covid cases were reported there in the last few days, most of them imported from abroad. Authorities have advised residents to stay at or near home to be available for the community-level nucleic-acid screening. They have been told that until they obtain a negative test result, they will not receive a "green" code on smartphone Covid-tracing apps that nearly all people in China are now required to present when using public transport and in other situations. Also read | 'Wrongful act': Beijing fines 7-Eleven for calling Taiwan an 'independent country' It comes after the local transmission of the imported Omicron variant was found in the southern city of Guangzhou. China has already been struggling with a larger outbreak centred on the northwestern city of Xi'an that has sparked questioning of the country's zero-tolerance policy of strict lockdowns and immediate mass testing to curb outbreaks. Chinese authorities have adopted draconian measures throughout the pandemic under their policy of seeking to stamp out every last case. That “zero tolerance” policy, which has led to frequent lockdowns, universal masking, and mass testing, has not been entirely successful. It has resulted in massive disruptions to travel and trade, but Beijing credits it with largely containing the spread of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Omicron cases reported in Chinese city Tianjin, population of around 14 million being rigorously tested

Activists have criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for opening a new showroom in Xinjiang despite concerns about human rights abuse.

The South African billionaire took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to make the announcement and said, “Let’s start Xinjiang’s all-electric journey!”

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"Elon Musk must close Tesla’s Xinjiang showroom," Council on American-Islamic Relations said on its official Twitter account.

“No American corporation should be doing business in a region that is the focal point of a campaign of genocide targeting a religious and ethnic minority,” said the group’s communications director, Ibrahim Hooper, said in a statement.

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US trade group, the Alliance for American Manufacturing, and US senator Marco Rubio also condemned the decision.

Pressure on foreign companies to take positions on Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan and other politically charged issues has been rising.

Activists and foreign governments say some 1 million Uyghurs and members of other mostly Muslim minorities have been confined in detention camps in Xinjiang.

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China has rejected accusations of forced labour or any other abuses there, saying that the camps provide vocational training and that companies should respect its policies there.

The United States and a few other countries announced&nbsp;a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February over the issue.

Washington has banned imports of Xinjiang cotton and blacklists Chinese companies that it says have aided Beijing's policy there.

China's ruling Communist Party pushes companies to adopt its positions in their advertising and on websites. It has attacked clothing and other brands that express concern about reports of forced labour and other abuses in Xinjiang.

This includes Swedish fashion retailer H&amp;M, Intel Corp., the world’s biggest maker of computer chips and Walmart Inc. All of them had openly criticised China over Xinjiang and as a result had faced boycott campaigns in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Activists have criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for opening a new showroom in Xinjiang despite concerns about human rights abuse. The South African billionaire took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to make the announcement and said, “Let’s start Xinjiang’s all-electric journey!

Activists have criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for opening a new showroom in Xinjiang despite concerns about human rights abuse. The South African billionaire took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to make the announcement and said, “Let’s start Xinjiang’s all-electric journey!” "Elon Musk must close Tesla’s Xinjiang showroom," Council on American-Islamic Relations said on its official Twitter account. “No American corporation should be doing business in a region that is the focal point of a campaign of genocide targeting a religious and ethnic minority,” said the group’s communications director, Ibrahim Hooper, said in a statement. Also read | 'Stupidity and shorted-sightedness': China warns Walmart and Sam's Club over removal of Xinjiang products US trade group, the Alliance for American Manufacturing, and US senator Marco Rubio also condemned the decision. Pressure on foreign companies to take positions on Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan and other politically charged issues has been rising. Activists and foreign governments say some 1 million Uyghurs and members of other mostly Muslim minorities have been confined in detention camps in Xinjiang. Also read | Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments China has rejected accusations of forced labour or any other abuses there, saying that the camps provide vocational training and that companies should respect its policies there. The United States and a few other countries announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February over the issue. Washington has banned imports of Xinjiang cotton and blacklists Chinese companies that it says have aided Beijing's policy there. China's ruling Communist Party pushes companies to adopt its positions in their advertising and on websites. It has attacked clothing and other brands that express concern about reports of forced labour and other abuses in Xinjiang. This includes Swedish fashion retailer H&M, Intel Corp., the world’s biggest maker of computer chips and Walmart Inc. All of them had openly criticised China over Xinjiang and as a result had faced boycott campaigns in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Activists slam Elon Musk for opening showroom in 'focal point of genocide,' Xinjiang

China has said that it has received visa applications from US officials to attend the Winter Olympics, days after President Joe Biden declared boycott saying that they won’t be sending its officials to Beijing.

The Chinese foreign minister on Monday confirmed that the visa requests would be handled with “international practice, relevant regulations and the principle of reciprocity”.

“What I can confirm is that the Chinese side has received the visa application from the concerned U.S. officials,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the Chinese ministry told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

The US government had recently submitted visa applications for its 18 officials, mainly from the State Department and the Pentagon, to attend the February 4 marquee event and provide security and medical support for American athletes, reported the South China Morning Post, citing sources.

It is being reported that the applications for another 40 officials may be in the works.

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In late November, the Biden administration, along with some western countries, had announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Games in response to the alleged genocides and human rights violations against the minorities in the Xinjiang province.

In response, Beijing had warned that it would take “resolute countermeasures” against the Biden administration if the diplomatic boycott went ahead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-due-to-human-rights-abuses-in-china-434742">US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China</a>

However, the call for a diplomatic boycott of the Games drew mixed responses from US allies.

France had said that it would be sending diplomats to Beijing, adding that it opposes using sports competitions to highlight concerns over human rights.

Earlier French President Emanuel Macron had questioned the utility of the Winter Games, calling the boycott “a symbolic step” that will not have a useful outcome.

Norway also said that it would be sending its officials to the games, while countries like South Korean and Japan had said that their officials would skip the event.

The European Union has yet to make a final decision on how it will approach the Games.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has said that it has received visa applications from US officials to attend the Winter Olympics, days after President Joe Biden declared boycott saying that they won’t be sending its officials to Beijing.

China has said that it has received visa applications from US officials to attend the Winter Olympics, days after President Joe Biden declared boycott saying that they won’t be sending its officials to Beijing. The Chinese foreign minister on Monday confirmed that the visa requests would be handled with “international practice, relevant regulations and the principle of reciprocity”. “What I can confirm is that the Chinese side has received the visa application from the concerned U.S. officials,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the Chinese ministry told a regular news briefing in Beijing. The US government had recently submitted visa applications for its 18 officials, mainly from the State Department and the Pentagon, to attend the February 4 marquee event and provide security and medical support for American athletes, reported the South China Morning Post, citing sources. It is being reported that the applications for another 40 officials may be in the works. Also read | Tibetan students lock themselves to Olympic rings to protest Beijing Winter Olympics In late November, the Biden administration, along with some western countries, had announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Games in response to the alleged genocides and human rights violations against the minorities in the Xinjiang province. In response, Beijing had warned that it would take “resolute countermeasures” against the Biden administration if the diplomatic boycott went ahead. Also read | US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China However, the call for a diplomatic boycott of the Games drew mixed responses from US allies. France had said that it would be sending diplomats to Beijing, adding that it opposes using sports competitions to highlight concerns over human rights. Earlier French President Emanuel Macron had questioned the utility of the Winter Games, calling the boycott “a symbolic step” that will not have a useful outcome. Norway also said that it would be sending its officials to the games, while countries like South Korean and Japan had said that their officials would skip the event. The European Union has yet to make a final decision on how it will approach the Games. (With inputs from agencies)

China says it has received visa applications from US officials to attend Winter Olympics

After Japan announced that it will not send government officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, China's foreign ministry on Friday (December 24) has urged Japan not to "politicise sports".&nbsp;

The move is not described as a diplomatic boycott and the&nbsp;Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said that there were "no plans" for officials to attend the Games.&nbsp;

Winter Olympics 2022 will start from February 4 and it is important to note that the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada earlier announced diplomatic boycotts of the Games over reported human rights abuses by China, including against the Muslim Uyghur minority. Athletes from the mentioned countries will participate as mentioned.

China has repeatedly declined the allegations.&nbsp;

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Matsuno said, "Japan believes it is important that common values shared by the international community such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law are also respected in China."

"As Tokyo 2020 demonstrated to the world, the Olympics and the Paralympics are festivals of peace and sports that give courage to the world," he added.&nbsp;

Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto and Japanese Olympic Committee head Yasuhiro Yamashita will attend the event in the Chinese capital.

"Hashimoto will attend to express gratitude and respect to the athletes and others who supported the Tokyo Games," Matsuno said.

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China's reaction

In response to Japan's decision, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a regular news conference that China welcomed the Olympic officials and athletes from Japan.&nbsp;

For the unversed, China did not send a government delegation to the Tokyo Summer Olympics this year, but only a sports delegation, led by the sports bureau chief.&nbsp;

Lijian said, "China welcomes the Japanese Olympic Committee, other relevant persons and Japanese athletes to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics."

"We have noted the relevant remarks from the Japanese government. We hope and urge the Japanese side to implement China and Japan's commitments to support each other's Olympic Games and not to politicise sports," he added.&nbsp;

"China is confident that it can work with all parties to realise a more united Olympic spirit and present a simple, safe and exciting Olympic Games to the world," he further said.&nbsp;

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said this month he was staying politically neutral on the matter, insisting the important point was "the participation of the athletes".

(With inputs from agencies)

After Japan announced that it will not send government officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, China's foreign ministry on Friday (December 24) has urged Japan not to "politicise sports".

After Japan announced that it will not send government officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, China's foreign ministry on Friday (December 24) has urged Japan not to "politicise sports". The move is not described as a diplomatic boycott and the Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said that there were "no plans" for officials to attend the Games. Winter Olympics 2022 will start from February 4 and it is important to note that the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada earlier announced diplomatic boycotts of the Games over reported human rights abuses by China, including against the Muslim Uyghur minority. Athletes from the mentioned countries will participate as mentioned. China has repeatedly declined the allegations. ALSO READ | Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments Matsuno said, "Japan believes it is important that common values shared by the international community such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law are also respected in China." "As Tokyo 2020 demonstrated to the world, the Olympics and the Paralympics are festivals of peace and sports that give courage to the world," he added. Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto and Japanese Olympic Committee head Yasuhiro Yamashita will attend the event in the Chinese capital. "Hashimoto will attend to express gratitude and respect to the athletes and others who supported the Tokyo Games," Matsuno said. ALSO READ | Multiple officials in China's X'ian city punished over virus outbreak China's reaction In response to Japan's decision, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a regular news conference that China welcomed the Olympic officials and athletes from Japan. For the unversed, China did not send a government delegation to the Tokyo Summer Olympics this year, but only a sports delegation, led by the sports bureau chief. Lijian said, "China welcomes the Japanese Olympic Committee, other relevant persons and Japanese athletes to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics." "We have noted the relevant remarks from the Japanese government. We hope and urge the Japanese side to implement China and Japan's commitments to support each other's Olympic Games and not to politicise sports," he added. "China is confident that it can work with all parties to realise a more united Olympic spirit and present a simple, safe and exciting Olympic Games to the world," he further said. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said this month he was staying politically neutral on the matter, insisting the important point was "the participation of the athletes". (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not politicise sports': China slams Japan's decision not to send govt officials to Beijing Olympics

After calls for diplomatic boycott, the new virus variant Omicron is the latest hurdle for Beijing Winter Olympics, however, China remains confident that the games will go smoothly and on schedule.

After diplomatic boycott, Omicron the latest hurdle for Beijing Winter Olympics?

Fumio Kishida, Japan's prime minister, confirmed on Thursday that he would not be attending the Beijing Olympics in February.

His comments in parliament came after the US launched a diplomatic boycott of the games in response to mounting criticism of China's human rights record, a decision that has been echoed by other nations such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

The question of whether Japan will send top officials to the Winter Olympics in February has resurfaced, following the announcements by the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom that their officials will not attend the games.

According to Kishida, Japan would make a decision after thoroughly considering numerous concerns in the national interest.&nbsp; 
 
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The boycotts have been described by China as "political posturing" and a smear campaign.

Kishida made the remark in the House of Representatives. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Meet Japan's 100th Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-meet-japans-100th-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-416951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Japan, a key ally of the US, is concerned about what it believes to be escalating Chinese threats.

But, as a manufacturing hub and a buyer for its autos and other products, it is economically dependent on its neighbour.

According to the Yomiuri newspaper, senior Japanese government officials are likely to miss the Games, despite government officials saying that nothing has been determined so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fumio Kishida, Japan's prime minister, confirmed on Thursday that he would not be attending the Beijing Olympics in February. His comments in parliament came after the US launched a diplomatic boycott of the games in response to mounting criticism of China's human rights record, a decision that has been echoed by other nations such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

Fumio Kishida, Japan's prime minister, confirmed on Thursday that he would not be attending the Beijing Olympics in February. His comments in parliament came after the US launched a diplomatic boycott of the games in response to mounting criticism of China's human rights record, a decision that has been echoed by other nations such as Australia and the United Kingdom. The question of whether Japan will send top officials to the Winter Olympics in February has resurfaced, following the announcements by the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom that their officials will not attend the games. According to Kishida, Japan would make a decision after thoroughly considering numerous concerns in the national interest. Watch | Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declares victory after 'very tough' election The boycotts have been described by China as "political posturing" and a smear campaign. Kishida made the remark in the House of Representatives. Watch | Gravitas: Meet Japan's 100th Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Japan, a key ally of the US, is concerned about what it believes to be escalating Chinese threats. But, as a manufacturing hub and a buyer for its autos and other products, it is economically dependent on its neighbour. According to the Yomiuri newspaper, senior Japanese government officials are likely to miss the Games, despite government officials saying that nothing has been determined so far. (With inputs from agencies)

'No plans to attend Beijing Olympics': Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

Canada joined a growing list of countries refusing to send government officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics. The US, UK and Australia have already said that they won't send official delegations to the Games in response to China's human rights violations against Uyghurs.

Canada joins US, UK & Australia in diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics

Winter Olympics have become the hotbed of political controversies. In the latest, Canada has joined Australia, Britain, United States and New Zealand in the diplomatic boycott of games to be held in Beijing.

Nations boycott Beijing Winter Olympics, Canada latest to join the bandwagon

France&nbsp;will not join a diplomatic boycott by other Western countries of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, Education and Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said Thursday.

Asked about a boycott announced by the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada, Blanquer told RMC radio and BFM television that&nbsp;France&nbsp;"won't do it".&nbsp;

"We need to be careful about the link between sports and politics," Blanquer said during the interview.

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"Sports is a world apart that needs to be protected from political interference. If not, things can get out of control and it could end up killing all of the competitions."

He said that&nbsp;France&nbsp;would carry on condemning human rights violations in China.&nbsp;

He will not travel to the Chinese capital, he said, but junior sports minister Roxana Maracineanu will represent the French government.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he was still seeking a common EU stance on the issue when asked about a possible boycott during a press conference at around the same time.&nbsp;

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"When it comes to the issue of the diplomatic boycott, this question will be dealt with at the European level," he told journalists.&nbsp;

China warned Western nations on Thursday they would "pay the price" for a diplomatic boycott.

Washington announced its boycott earlier in the week, saying it was prompted by widespread rights abuses by China and what it sees as a "genocide" against the Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang.

France will not join a diplomatic boycott by other Western countries of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, Education and Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said Thursday.

France will not join a diplomatic boycott by other Western countries of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, Education and Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said Thursday. Asked about a boycott announced by the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada, Blanquer told RMC radio and BFM television that France "won't do it". "We need to be careful about the link between sports and politics," Blanquer said during the interview. ALSO READ: Canada announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics citing human rights violations by China "Sports is a world apart that needs to be protected from political interference. If not, things can get out of control and it could end up killing all of the competitions." He said that France would carry on condemning human rights violations in China. He will not travel to the Chinese capital, he said, but junior sports minister Roxana Maracineanu will represent the French government. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he was still seeking a common EU stance on the issue when asked about a possible boycott during a press conference at around the same time. ALSO READ | Chinese Embassy in Australia reacts to diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics: 'Mountains can't stop the river' "When it comes to the issue of the diplomatic boycott, this question will be dealt with at the European level," he told journalists. China warned Western nations on Thursday they would "pay the price" for a diplomatic boycott. Washington announced its boycott earlier in the week, saying it was prompted by widespread rights abuses by China and what it sees as a "genocide" against the Muslim Uyghur minority in Xinjiang.

France minister confirms country will not join boycott of Beijing Olympics

The United States is about to announce a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies, CNN reports.

The decision not to send any US government officials to the games, which begin on February 4, will be revealed this week, according to the media site, which cited numerous anonymous sources.&nbsp;

A request for comment from media was not immediately returned by China's Foreign Ministry. 
 
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The White House did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omicron-will-lead-to-challenges-for-the-winter-olympics-china-432950">Also read | Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China</a> 
 
Last month, US President Joe Biden said he was considering a diplomatic boycott to protest China's human rights record, which includes what the US claims is genocide against minority Muslims.

Activists and members of Congress have pressured the government to skip the games.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the White House declined to comment on CNN's allegation.

News reports stated that four individuals familiar with the administration's thinking said there was a growing agreement within the White House to keep US officials out of the Beijing Olympics.&nbsp; 
 
According to the report, a complete boycott is unlikely, thus US athletes will be able to compete.The last time the United States boycotted the Olympics was in 1980, under the presidency of former President Jimmy Carter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is about to announce a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies, CNN reports.

The United States is about to announce a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies, CNN reports. The decision not to send any US government officials to the games, which begin on February 4, will be revealed this week, according to the media site, which cited numerous anonymous sources. A request for comment from media was not immediately returned by China's Foreign Ministry. Also read | Australia mulling diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Also read | Omicron will 'lead to challenges' for the winter Olympics: China Last month, US President Joe Biden said he was considering a diplomatic boycott to protest China's human rights record, which includes what the US claims is genocide against minority Muslims. Activists and members of Congress have pressured the government to skip the games. On Sunday, the White House declined to comment on CNN's allegation. News reports stated that four individuals familiar with the administration's thinking said there was a growing agreement within the White House to keep US officials out of the Beijing Olympics. According to the report, a complete boycott is unlikely, thus US athletes will be able to compete.The last time the United States boycotted the Olympics was in 1980, under the presidency of former President Jimmy Carter. (With inputs from agencies)

United States to declare diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics: Report

U.S. politicians should stop calling for a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics to avoid hurting bilateral ties and China will take "countermeasures" if necessary, China`s foreign ministry said on Monday.

The Biden administration is expected to announce this week that U.S. government officials will not attend the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, CNN reported on Sunday.

Those calling for a boycott are "grandstanding" and should stop "so as not to affect the dialogue and cooperation between China and the United States in important areas," said Zhao Lijian, China`s foreign ministry spokesman.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-states-to-declare-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-olympics-report-434442">United States to declare diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics: Report</a>

"If the U.S. insists in wilfully clinging to its course, China will take resolute countermeasures," he said at a news conference.

U.S. President Joe Biden said last month that he was considering such a diplomatic boycott to protest China's human rights record, including what Washington says is genocide against minority Muslims.

The administration has been under pressure from activists and members of Congress to skip the games.

The White House declined to comment on CNN's report on Sunday.

Four sources with knowledge of the administration's thinking previously told Reuters that there was a growing consensus within the White House to keep U.S. officials away from the Beijing Olympics.

&nbsp;ALSO READ<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-mulling-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-2022-winter-olympics-431788">| Australia mulling diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics</a>

CNN said the U.S. boycott would not prevent its athletes from competing in the games.

The State Department did not respond to questions about the report late Sunday.

U.S. politicians should stop calling for a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics to avoid hurting bilateral ties and China will take "countermeasures" if necessary, China`s foreign ministry said on Monday.

U.S. politicians should stop calling for a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics to avoid hurting bilateral ties and China will take "countermeasures" if necessary, China`s foreign ministry said on Monday. The Biden administration is expected to announce this week that U.S. government officials will not attend the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, CNN reported on Sunday. Those calling for a boycott are "grandstanding" and should stop "so as not to affect the dialogue and cooperation between China and the United States in important areas," said Zhao Lijian, China`s foreign ministry spokesman. ALSO READ: United States to declare diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics: Report "If the U.S. insists in wilfully clinging to its course, China will take resolute countermeasures," he said at a news conference. U.S. President Joe Biden said last month that he was considering such a diplomatic boycott to protest China's human rights record, including what Washington says is genocide against minority Muslims. The administration has been under pressure from activists and members of Congress to skip the games. The White House declined to comment on CNN's report on Sunday. Four sources with knowledge of the administration's thinking previously told Reuters that there was a growing consensus within the White House to keep U.S. officials away from the Beijing Olympics. ALSO READ| Australia mulling diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics CNN said the U.S. boycott would not prevent its athletes from competing in the games. The State Department did not respond to questions about the report late Sunday.

China threatens countermeasures if U.S. boycotts Beijing Winter Olympics

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering a US diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, in what would be an attempt to show toughness over China's rights abuses without impacting US athletes.

That is "something we are considering," Biden told reporters while meeting with Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, at the White House. The Beijing Olympics take place next February.

Biden's comments followed a long-awaited video summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping late Monday, during which the two leaders said they wanted to ensure stability and prevent accidental conflicts.

The US president is under pressure at home to speak out on China's human rights abuses, especially in the Xinjiang region where the US government says repression of the Uyghur ethnic group qualifies as genocide.

Campaigners say that at least one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking, mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in Xinjiang, where China is also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

China's foreign ministry on Friday brushed off the rights accusations as "inconsistent with the truth and completely groundless," calling Washington's claims a "joke in the eyes of Chinese people."

"Politicising sports is against the Olympic spirit, and harms the interests of athletes from all countries," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing Friday.

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration would soon announce a diplomatic boycott, meaning that while athletes would still compete, government representatives would not be in the stands.

White House officials said that the issue was not raised during the Biden-Xi virtual summit.

- Balancing act -

US-China relations hit a low point under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, with a massive trade war and incendiary debate over how the Covid-19 virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

Biden has sought to re-engage with Beijing, while at the same time focusing on strengthening traditional US alliances to counter China's ever-growing economic clout and military presence across the Indo-Pacific region.

He has held two lengthy phone calls with Xi and was keen to meet in person.&nbsp;

But with the Chinese leader not traveling outside of the country since the start of the Covid pandemic, this week's virtual summit was the only possible next step.

Following Biden's mention of a possible Olympics boycott, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she did not "have an update on what our presence will be."

"I want to give the national security team and the president space to make the decision," she said.

For Biden, that decision will be part of a complex diplomatic balancing act.

His administration has left Trump-era trade tariffs on China in place and continues to order naval patrols through sensitive international sea lanes that China is accused of trying to bring under its control.

However, with Biden also emphasizing the need for dialogue, critics on the right say he is being too soft.

This makes the looming Olympic Games a political flashpoint.

"The United States must implement a complete and total boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The threat to our athletes and China's crimes against humanity leave us no other option," Republican Senator Tom Cotton tweeted Thursday.

Psaki said the White House sees US-China relations "through the prism of competition, not conflict."

However, she added, "we have serious concerns" about human rights.

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering a US diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, in what would be an attempt to show toughness over China's rights abuses without impacting US athletes.

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering a US diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, in what would be an attempt to show toughness over China's rights abuses without impacting US athletes. That is "something we are considering," Biden told reporters while meeting with Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, at the White House. The Beijing Olympics take place next February. Biden's comments followed a long-awaited video summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping late Monday, during which the two leaders said they wanted to ensure stability and prevent accidental conflicts. The US president is under pressure at home to speak out on China's human rights abuses, especially in the Xinjiang region where the US government says repression of the Uyghur ethnic group qualifies as genocide. Campaigners say that at least one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking, mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in Xinjiang, where China is also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. China's foreign ministry on Friday brushed off the rights accusations as "inconsistent with the truth and completely groundless," calling Washington's claims a "joke in the eyes of Chinese people." "Politicising sports is against the Olympic spirit, and harms the interests of athletes from all countries," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing Friday. On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration would soon announce a diplomatic boycott, meaning that while athletes would still compete, government representatives would not be in the stands. White House officials said that the issue was not raised during the Biden-Xi virtual summit. - Balancing act - US-China relations hit a low point under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, with a massive trade war and incendiary debate over how the Covid-19 virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Biden has sought to re-engage with Beijing, while at the same time focusing on strengthening traditional US alliances to counter China's ever-growing economic clout and military presence across the Indo-Pacific region. He has held two lengthy phone calls with Xi and was keen to meet in person. But with the Chinese leader not traveling outside of the country since the start of the Covid pandemic, this week's virtual summit was the only possible next step. Following Biden's mention of a possible Olympics boycott, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she did not "have an update on what our presence will be." "I want to give the national security team and the president space to make the decision," she said. For Biden, that decision will be part of a complex diplomatic balancing act. His administration has left Trump-era trade tariffs on China in place and continues to order naval patrols through sensitive international sea lanes that China is accused of trying to bring under its control. However, with Biden also emphasizing the need for dialogue, critics on the right say he is being too soft. This makes the looming Olympic Games a political flashpoint. "The United States must implement a complete and total boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The threat to our athletes and China's crimes against humanity leave us no other option," Republican Senator Tom Cotton tweeted Thursday. Psaki said the White House sees US-China relations "through the prism of competition, not conflict." However, she added, "we have serious concerns" about human rights.

China says 'politicising sports' hurts Olympic spirit as Joe Biden mulls boycott

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend Beijing Olympics in February 2022 as he has accepted an invitation by China, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia said on Thursday (September 16).&nbsp;

During a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Tajikistan, Lavrov said, "Putin with delight has accepted the invitation of Xi Jinping to visit the Winter Olympic Games in February 2022."&nbsp;

Lavrov said he hopes Putin and Xi can meet in person and that Russian and Chinese athletes "will once against demonstrate their high sporting and personal qualities", according to the TASS news agency.&nbsp;

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The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held from February 4-20 in China's capital Beijing and in the neighbouring Hebei province.&nbsp;

However, it is important to note that Moscow remains under penalties for state-sponsored doping as Russian athletes are barred from competing at major international events, including the Olympics.&nbsp;

Russian government officials also cannot be issued an Olympic accreditation unless they are invited by the head of state of the host nation.&nbsp;

Russia was banned from international competitions for two years as punishment for state-sponsored doping and its cover-ups at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed Russia a four-year ban from top sporting events.&nbsp;

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But those sanctions were relaxed to some extent by a sports arbitration court and were reduced to two years and the athletes who weren't involved in the scandal were able to compete in Olympic competition.&nbsp;

Some Russian athletes are allowed to compete as neutrals under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) flag and represent the committee. They are not allowed to compete under their own flag, their national anthem won't play after they win.&nbsp;

Russia's participation at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics 2020, which took place this year in August and September, was criticised as more than 300 Russian competitors took part as neutral athletes.

They brought home 20 golds, ranking fifth in the medals tally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend Beijing Olympics in February 2022 as he has accepted an invitation by China, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia said on Thursday (September 16).

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend Beijing Olympics in February 2022 as he has accepted an invitation by China, Sergei Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia said on Thursday (September 16). During a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Tajikistan, Lavrov said, "Putin with delight has accepted the invitation of Xi Jinping to visit the Winter Olympic Games in February 2022." Lavrov said he hopes Putin and Xi can meet in person and that Russian and Chinese athletes "will once against demonstrate their high sporting and personal qualities", according to the TASS news agency. ALSO READ | What is the United Nations General Assembly and what are its functions and responsibilities? The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held from February 4-20 in China's capital Beijing and in the neighbouring Hebei province. However, it is important to note that Moscow remains under penalties for state-sponsored doping as Russian athletes are barred from competing at major international events, including the Olympics. Russian government officials also cannot be issued an Olympic accreditation unless they are invited by the head of state of the host nation. Russia was banned from international competitions for two years as punishment for state-sponsored doping and its cover-ups at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed Russia a four-year ban from top sporting events. ALSO READ | UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis But those sanctions were relaxed to some extent by a sports arbitration court and were reduced to two years and the athletes who weren't involved in the scandal were able to compete in Olympic competition. Some Russian athletes are allowed to compete as neutrals under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) flag and represent the committee. They are not allowed to compete under their own flag, their national anthem won't play after they win. Russia's participation at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics 2020, which took place this year in August and September, was criticised as more than 300 Russian competitors took part as neutral athletes. They brought home 20 golds, ranking fifth in the medals tally. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin to attend 2022 Beijing Olympics as Russia remains under penalties for doping

The United States State Department denied it was considering a joint boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing alongside allies and partners in an effort to address China's human rights abuses.

US backs away from idea of Beijing Olympics boycott

The US says China has committed genocide in Xinjiang. Its human rights report says the Uighurs are on target.

More than one million of them were randomly put in jail. They were tortured, men faced forced sterilisation, women were raped, forced into getting abortions, and then forced into labour.

None of this is a secret. The world has known about all of this for a while now. The United States chose to release the report only last month. It went on to slap sanctions on China. But that may not be enough.

So, team Biden is considering another way to embarrass China. Boycotting the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They're scheduled for 2022. Will the US boycott the games?

They're considering the possibility. We got the first hint on Tuesday US State Department spokesperson &nbsp;Ned Price was holding a press conference. He said Washington wants to discuss the joint boycott with allies.

He said, "It is something that we certainly wish to discuss and that it is certainly something that we understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interests but also in the interests of our allies and partners. So this is one of the issues that are on the agenda both now and going forward, and when we have something to announce, we will be sure to do that."

He couldn't have been clearer. The US will sound out its allies. Perhaps ask them to withdraw from the games.

The statement created quite a stir. So much so that the state department came up with a clarification. It said there has been no discussion about a joint boycott with allies.

That doesn't mean there will be no discussion in the day ahead. This is enough to raise the hackles of Beijing. It deployed Zhao Lijian to respond, the wolf warrior-in-chief.

What did he say? America is politicising the Olympics.

"If the US insists on ignoring the real truth and facts and deliberately uses lies to smear and attack China, this will certainly be doomed to fail. Not only will it damage the US’s reputation and interests, but will also definitely encounter the firm opposition of the Chinese people and a strong response from China."

Is this an overreaction? Not in the least. The call for boycotting Beijing Olympics isn't new.

Last year in September, more than 160 human rights groups spoke against China.

They wanted the International Olympic Committee or the IOC to revoke the Winter Olympic Games from China.

Then in October, Uighur rights groups met the IOC. They shared stories of detainees.

They told the Olympic committee about human rights abuses in Xinjiang. And also what's happening in Tibet and Hong Kong

Their demand was the same: Take the Olympic Games out of Beijing.

How did the IOC respond? Not very favourably. According to one Uighur representative, their concerns were "completely dismissed".

Zumretay Arki of the World Uighur Congress says the IOC is hiding behind political neutrality. And that the committee is willing to host "genocidal Olympic games".

"When we met with the IOC in October, we asked them to listen to our voices but instead they completely dismissed our experiences and sufferings,” Arki said.

The pressure is mounting. Not just on China and the International Olympics Committee, but also the sponsors.

Companies like Visa and Coca Cola are the "Olympic partners" for this event. They're facing criticism. Another sponsor Airbnb is facing tough questions. It is being asked why it is providing lodging in a country that has concentration camps for Uighurs.

For big sponsors, this is a test of their corporate social responsibility.

But exiting won't be easy. Any boycott is sure to invite a backlash from China.

Ask H&amp;M and Nike: they've faced a state engineered boycott in China. That's because they said they won't buy cotton from Xinjiang. Moral of the story: boycotting China won't be easy. China will fight back.

But it cannot fight everyone. So the boycott must be a joint effort. How can the world do it?

The Eurasia group - a political risk consultancy firm - has put together a report. It has listed three ways in which the world can boycott the winter games.

Number one: A diplomatic boycott.

That's something the US has hinted at. America could join at least one other major western country and boycott the games in China. The Eurasia group says this is the most likely scenario with a 60 per cent probability.

Their report says the likely participants in such a boycott could be the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. Some European countries could join in too.

Possibility number two: An athletic boycott.

What does this mean? One or more western countries could stop their athletes from participating in the games. They could consider an economic boycott as well, with a ban on US spectators, broadcasters and sponsors. So basically, this option is about discouraging any form of participation at home. The probability of this is 30 per cent.

The final option is an outlier scenario.

This one rules out a boycott. Instead, &nbsp;countries could just issue "mild political statements about the games". The Eurasia group says there is only a 10 per cent chance of this happening.

So will the Beijing Olympics be boycotted?

We'll have to wait for the answer.

Have Olympic Games been boycotted? The answer is yes. The last time this happened was in 1980. That's when the US had led a diplomatic boycott against Moscow.

This was over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. A total of 65 countries had refused to participate in the games.

Today, if America chooses to take a stand against China and withdraws its athletes from the winter games, &nbsp;there's a good chance that more nations will follow suit.

For China, the trend would be hard to miss.

First, governments calling out the genocide in Xinjiang. Then, international brands following suit, talking about forced labour in Xinjiang's cotton fields.

What is China doing about all of this?

Xinjiang produces 20% of the world's cotton.

China cannot afford a boycott. So it has launched a propaganda campaign.

It involves fashion shows and musicals. Videos of Uighurs singing, dancing and falling in love. The idea is to show that everything is normal in Xinjiang. 
 
The question is, who is believing China?

How far can you go to win a narrative war?

When it comes to China, the country knows no limits.

Here's an example. Most of you already know what's happening in this part of the world.

Xinjiang is the home to Uighur Muslims. They are an ethnic minority that China has waged a war on. One million Uighurs have been put in concentration camps.

What happens behind these walls can be summed up as: Forced organ transplants, rape, sterilisation, forced conversions, and medical experiments.

China is guilty of orchestrating a genocide. Beijing will never accept it. China is also guilty of forced labour. Uighurs have been forced to work in the cotton fields of Xinjiang. Recently, the EU, Britain and Canada imposed sanction on Chinese officials.

Hell broke loose when H&amp;M issued a statement on forced labour in Xinjiang. More brands followed suit.

China pushed back hard. It began punishing businesses that raised questions on Xinjiang. International brands like Nike, H&amp;M, Adidas were taken off Chinese e-commerce apps. They were also removed from maps.

Reports say H&amp;M was forced to close 20 outlets. Chinese celebrities publicly junked endorsement deals with international brands.

Chinese media openly issued threats. Spokespersons blew the war bugle on social media. And designers turned ramps into battlefields with their patriotic outcries.

Chief designer of Sun-bird, Zhou Li said: "As a Chinese designer, of course, my support for Xinjiang cotton is correct. For me, I think Xinjiang cotton is my sweetheart, my lover. This time I want to thank him. He brought me so much joy."

Too much drama? Watch this footage.

This is China trying to portray Xinjiang as a happy place. You know, where Uighurs sing, dance, fall in love. The Chinese Communist Party has sponsored a musical called the Wings of Songs. It paints a Utopian picture of Xinjiang. This is the latest addition to China's propaganda campaign.

Like you just saw, the campaign has turned into a comedy.

Guess what? There's more. Chinese TV stations have been blurring out logos of western brands. The result looks like this: People floating on clouds. People whose bodies have disappeared.

We told you, China can go far in a bid to win a narrative war. It's another story that China's bluff was called out long back.

And with all the drama, the dragon is now only making a spectacle of itself.

The US says China has committed genocide in Xinjiang. Its human rights report says the Uighurs are on target. More than one million of them were randomly put in jail.

The US says China has committed genocide in Xinjiang. Its human rights report says the Uighurs are on target. More than one million of them were randomly put in jail. They were tortured, men faced forced sterilisation, women were raped, forced into getting abortions, and then forced into labour. None of this is a secret. The world has known about all of this for a while now. The United States chose to release the report only last month. It went on to slap sanctions on China. But that may not be enough. So, team Biden is considering another way to embarrass China. Boycotting the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They're scheduled for 2022. Will the US boycott the games? They're considering the possibility. We got the first hint on Tuesday US State Department spokesperson Ned Price was holding a press conference. He said Washington wants to discuss the joint boycott with allies. He said, "It is something that we certainly wish to discuss and that it is certainly something that we understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interests but also in the interests of our allies and partners. So this is one of the issues that are on the agenda both now and going forward, and when we have something to announce, we will be sure to do that." He couldn't have been clearer. The US will sound out its allies. Perhaps ask them to withdraw from the games. The statement created quite a stir. So much so that the state department came up with a clarification. It said there has been no discussion about a joint boycott with allies. That doesn't mean there will be no discussion in the day ahead. This is enough to raise the hackles of Beijing. It deployed Zhao Lijian to respond, the wolf warrior-in-chief. What did he say? America is politicising the Olympics. "If the US insists on ignoring the real truth and facts and deliberately uses lies to smear and attack China, this will certainly be doomed to fail. Not only will it damage the US’s reputation and interests, but will also definitely encounter the firm opposition of the Chinese people and a strong response from China." Is this an overreaction? Not in the least. The call for boycotting Beijing Olympics isn't new. Last year in September, more than 160 human rights groups spoke against China. They wanted the International Olympic Committee or the IOC to revoke the Winter Olympic Games from China. Then in October, Uighur rights groups met the IOC. They shared stories of detainees. They told the Olympic committee about human rights abuses in Xinjiang. And also what's happening in Tibet and Hong Kong Their demand was the same: Take the Olympic Games out of Beijing. How did the IOC respond? Not very favourably. According to one Uighur representative, their concerns were "completely dismissed". Zumretay Arki of the World Uighur Congress says the IOC is hiding behind political neutrality. And that the committee is willing to host "genocidal Olympic games". "When we met with the IOC in October, we asked them to listen to our voices but instead they completely dismissed our experiences and sufferings,” Arki said. The pressure is mounting. Not just on China and the International Olympics Committee, but also the sponsors. Companies like Visa and Coca Cola are the "Olympic partners" for this event. They're facing criticism. Another sponsor Airbnb is facing tough questions. It is being asked why it is providing lodging in a country that has concentration camps for Uighurs. For big sponsors, this is a test of their corporate social responsibility. But exiting won't be easy. Any boycott is sure to invite a backlash from China. Ask H&M and Nike: they've faced a state engineered boycott in China. That's because they said they won't buy cotton from Xinjiang. Moral of the story: boycotting China won't be easy. China will fight back. But it cannot fight everyone. So the boycott must be a joint effort. How can the world do it? The Eurasia group - a political risk consultancy firm - has put together a report. It has listed three ways in which the world can boycott the winter games. Number one: A diplomatic boycott. That's something the US has hinted at. America could join at least one other major western country and boycott the games in China. The Eurasia group says this is the most likely scenario with a 60 per cent probability. Their report says the likely participants in such a boycott could be the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. Some European countries could join in too. Possibility number two: An athletic boycott. What does this mean? One or more western countries could stop their athletes from participating in the games. They could consider an economic boycott as well, with a ban on US spectators, broadcasters and sponsors. So basically, this option is about discouraging any form of participation at home. The probability of this is 30 per cent. The final option is an outlier scenario. This one rules out a boycott. Instead, countries could just issue "mild political statements about the games". The Eurasia group says there is only a 10 per cent chance of this happening. So will the Beijing Olympics be boycotted? We'll have to wait for the answer. Have Olympic Games been boycotted? The answer is yes. The last time this happened was in 1980. That's when the US had led a diplomatic boycott against Moscow. This was over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. A total of 65 countries had refused to participate in the games. Today, if America chooses to take a stand against China and withdraws its athletes from the winter games, there's a good chance that more nations will follow suit. For China, the trend would be hard to miss. First, governments calling out the genocide in Xinjiang. Then, international brands following suit, talking about forced labour in Xinjiang's cotton fields. What is China doing about all of this? Xinjiang produces 20% of the world's cotton. China cannot afford a boycott. So it has launched a propaganda campaign. It involves fashion shows and musicals. Videos of Uighurs singing, dancing and falling in love. The idea is to show that everything is normal in Xinjiang. The question is, who is believing China? How far can you go to win a narrative war? When it comes to China, the country knows no limits. Here's an example. Most of you already know what's happening in this part of the world. Xinjiang is the home to Uighur Muslims. They are an ethnic minority that China has waged a war on. One million Uighurs have been put in concentration camps. What happens behind these walls can be summed up as: Forced organ transplants, rape, sterilisation, forced conversions, and medical experiments. China is guilty of orchestrating a genocide. Beijing will never accept it. China is also guilty of forced labour. Uighurs have been forced to work in the cotton fields of Xinjiang. Recently, the EU, Britain and Canada imposed sanction on Chinese officials. Hell broke loose when H&M issued a statement on forced labour in Xinjiang. More brands followed suit. China pushed back hard. It began punishing businesses that raised questions on Xinjiang. International brands like Nike, H&M, Adidas were taken off Chinese e-commerce apps. They were also removed from maps. Reports say H&M was forced to close 20 outlets. Chinese celebrities publicly junked endorsement deals with international brands. Chinese media openly issued threats. Spokespersons blew the war bugle on social media. And designers turned ramps into battlefields with their patriotic outcries. Chief designer of Sun-bird, Zhou Li said: "As a Chinese designer, of course, my support for Xinjiang cotton is correct. For me, I think Xinjiang cotton is my sweetheart, my lover. This time I want to thank him. He brought me so much joy." Too much drama? Watch this footage. This is China trying to portray Xinjiang as a happy place. You know, where Uighurs sing, dance, fall in love. The Chinese Communist Party has sponsored a musical called the Wings of Songs. It paints a Utopian picture of Xinjiang. This is the latest addition to China's propaganda campaign. Like you just saw, the campaign has turned into a comedy. Guess what? There's more. Chinese TV stations have been blurring out logos of western brands. The result looks like this: People floating on clouds. People whose bodies have disappeared. We told you, China can go far in a bid to win a narrative war. It's another story that China's bluff was called out long back. And with all the drama, the dragon is now only making a spectacle of itself.

Will the world boycott China's Winter Olympics?

The United States said Tuesday it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds.

"It is something that we certainly wish to discuss," State Department spokesman Ned Price said when asked if the United States would consider a joint boycott with allies.

However he later reiterated that the United States does not "have any announcement regarding the Beijing Olympics," writing on Twitter that "2022 remains a ways off, but we will continue to consult closely with allies and partners to define our common concerns and establish our shared approach."

Activists and Republican politicians have increasingly called for a boycott of the Olympics in part over what rights monitors say is the mass incarceration and indoctrination of more than one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim people in the western region of Xinjiang.

"When it comes to our concerns with the government in Beijing, including Beijing's egregious human rights violations -- its conduct of genocide in the case of Xinjiang," Price said, US action is "meaningful" but an effort that "brings along our allies and partners will have all the more influence with Beijing."

"We understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interest but also in the interests of our allies and partners," he added.

President Joe Biden's administration has repeatedly kept the door open to boycotting the Olympics without announcing any firm direction.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki earlier said the administration will consult with the US Olympic Committee.

A potential boycott of the Beijing Olympics has increasingly become embroiled in US domestic politics with Republicans seeking to call Biden hypocritical for backing the moving of baseball's All-Star Game from Georgia after the US state made voting more difficult for many people of color.

Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who after leaving office urged a boycott of the Olympics, wrote on Twitter: "If you live in mainland China, there's no voter ID required because there's no voting that takes place."

China has denounced calls for a boycott and denies genocide, saying it is providing vocational training to minorities to reduce the allure of Islamic extremism.

The United States led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, with the Soviet bloc in retaliation boycotting the Summer Games in Los Angeles four years later.

The United States said Tuesday it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds.

The United States said Tuesday it would discuss calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics with its allies after growing pressure to shun the Winter Games on human rights grounds. "It is something that we certainly wish to discuss," State Department spokesman Ned Price said when asked if the United States would consider a joint boycott with allies. However he later reiterated that the United States does not "have any announcement regarding the Beijing Olympics," writing on Twitter that "2022 remains a ways off, but we will continue to consult closely with allies and partners to define our common concerns and establish our shared approach." Activists and Republican politicians have increasingly called for a boycott of the Olympics in part over what rights monitors say is the mass incarceration and indoctrination of more than one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim people in the western region of Xinjiang. "When it comes to our concerns with the government in Beijing, including Beijing's egregious human rights violations -- its conduct of genocide in the case of Xinjiang," Price said, US action is "meaningful" but an effort that "brings along our allies and partners will have all the more influence with Beijing." "We understand that a coordinated approach will be not only in our interest but also in the interests of our allies and partners," he added. President Joe Biden's administration has repeatedly kept the door open to boycotting the Olympics without announcing any firm direction. White House press secretary Jen Psaki earlier said the administration will consult with the US Olympic Committee. A potential boycott of the Beijing Olympics has increasingly become embroiled in US domestic politics with Republicans seeking to call Biden hypocritical for backing the moving of baseball's All-Star Game from Georgia after the US state made voting more difficult for many people of color. Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who after leaving office urged a boycott of the Olympics, wrote on Twitter: "If you live in mainland China, there's no voter ID required because there's no voting that takes place." China has denounced calls for a boycott and denies genocide, saying it is providing vocational training to minorities to reduce the allure of Islamic extremism. The United States led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, with the Soviet bloc in retaliation boycotting the Summer Games in Los Angeles four years later.

US wants to 'discuss' Beijing winter Olympics boycott calls

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