Only 10 days are left for Winter Olympics 2022 to commence in Beijing. But China is battling a fresh wave of infections on the account of local Omicron cases.

The Chinese authorities have been desperate to contain the spread of the virus and have taken some draconian measures as part of the strict zero Covid drive.

From asking people to wear masks and gloves when opening mail, especially from abroad, to culling thousands of hamsters in Hong Kong over possible virus transmission, China has used some “whacky” ideas to ensure that cases remain negligible.

However, it seems that the level of desperation is going a bit higher with each passing day, as health workers are now doing swab tests on garlic plants as part of the strict zero Covid drive.

According to local media reports, farmers in Yuzhou city, which is also grappling with a Delta outbreak, are having difficulty in selling garlic sprouts over fears that it might further spread the virus.

Apart from that, authorities in Beijing have asked citizens buying common anti-fever medicine to undergo COVID-19 testing to root out undetected virus infections without locking down the city and the host of the Winter Olympics.

Beijing residents who purchase antipyretics, antivirals and drugs that target coughs and sore throats will get an alert on the mobile app China uses for contact tracing and which is frequently checked to allow entry to public venues. The buyer will then need to take a Covid test within 72 hours or face movement restrictions, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said on Sunday.

Thousands of athletes, media workers and foreign dignitaries arriving for the Olympics will operate in a "closed-loop" bubble strictly cut off from the outside world.

On Sunday, it was announced that more than 70 Games participants had tested positive inside the bubble so far.

China on Monday reported 18 domestic transmissions, six of which were found in Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Only 10 days are left for Winter Olympics 2022 to commence in Beijing. But China is battling a fresh wave of infections on the account of local Omicron cases. The Chinese authorities have been desperate to contain the spread of the virus and have taken some draconian measures as part of the strict zero Covid drive.

Only 10 days are left for Winter Olympics 2022 to commence in Beijing. But China is battling a fresh wave of infections on the account of local Omicron cases. The Chinese authorities have been desperate to contain the spread of the virus and have taken some draconian measures as part of the strict zero Covid drive. From asking people to wear masks and gloves when opening mail, especially from abroad, to culling thousands of hamsters in Hong Kong over possible virus transmission, China has used some “whacky” ideas to ensure that cases remain negligible. However, it seems that the level of desperation is going a bit higher with each passing day, as health workers are now doing swab tests on garlic plants as part of the strict zero Covid drive. According to local media reports, farmers in Yuzhou city, which is also grappling with a Delta outbreak, are having difficulty in selling garlic sprouts over fears that it might further spread the virus. Apart from that, authorities in Beijing have asked citizens buying common anti-fever medicine to undergo COVID-19 testing to root out undetected virus infections without locking down the city and the host of the Winter Olympics. Beijing residents who purchase antipyretics, antivirals and drugs that target coughs and sore throats will get an alert on the mobile app China uses for contact tracing and which is frequently checked to allow entry to public venues. The buyer will then need to take a Covid test within 72 hours or face movement restrictions, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said on Sunday. Thousands of athletes, media workers and foreign dignitaries arriving for the Olympics will operate in a "closed-loop" bubble strictly cut off from the outside world. On Sunday, it was announced that more than 70 Games participants had tested positive inside the bubble so far. China on Monday reported 18 domestic transmissions, six of which were found in Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

China is so desperate that health workers now taking swab tests of garlic plants: Report

Amid rise in Omicron cases, Chinese authorities moved to tighten travel restrictions in Tianjin.

On Tuesday, China had shut down another city after Xi'an as coronavirus cases continue to mount.

Tianjin officials suspended bus and charter services heading to Beijing as the city reported 97 new coronavirus cases amid a new wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-xian-china-locks-down-another-city-as-omicron-cases-detected-443820">Also Read:&nbsp;After Xi’an, China locks down another city as Omicron cases detected</a>

China's state-run Global Times reported that one student who was detected with the Omicron variant had reportedly infected over ten people.

The officials had earlier shutdown&nbsp;Anyang city after it reported &nbsp;84 confirmed infections including Omicron cases.

The Chinese daily said that "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will play a larger role in the treatment of Omicron".

The authorities have set up several inspection sites on roads to test residents. Travel towards Beijing has been restricted with the capital city set to host the Winter Olympics next month. International air travellers have been ordered to produce a negative nucleic acid test.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-chinas-zero-covid-strategy-what-it-is-how-it-functions-and-does-it-work-442865">Explainer: China's 'zero covid' strategy; what it is, how it functions and does it work?</a>

The Chinese newspaper said the health officials are expecting&nbsp;the wave to&nbsp;ease in time for the&nbsp;Chinese spring festival.

Chinese officials had ordered the suspension of over 60 US flights after passengers tested positive as they arrived back in the country as Delta and other American airlines moved to cancel flights.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rise in Omicron cases, Chinese authorities moved to tighten travel restrictions in Tianjin. On Tuesday, China had shut down another city after Xi'an as coronavirus cases continue to mount.

Amid rise in Omicron cases, Chinese authorities moved to tighten travel restrictions in Tianjin. On Tuesday, China had shut down another city after Xi'an as coronavirus cases continue to mount. Tianjin officials suspended bus and charter services heading to Beijing as the city reported 97 new coronavirus cases amid a new wave. Also Read: After Xi’an, China locks down another city as Omicron cases detected China's state-run Global Times reported that one student who was detected with the Omicron variant had reportedly infected over ten people. The officials had earlier shutdown Anyang city after it reported 84 confirmed infections including Omicron cases. The Chinese daily said that "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will play a larger role in the treatment of Omicron". The authorities have set up several inspection sites on roads to test residents. Travel towards Beijing has been restricted with the capital city set to host the Winter Olympics next month. International air travellers have been ordered to produce a negative nucleic acid test. Explainer: China's 'zero covid' strategy; what it is, how it functions and does it work? The Chinese newspaper said the health officials are expecting the wave to ease in time for the Chinese spring festival. Chinese officials had ordered the suspension of over 60 US flights after passengers tested positive as they arrived back in the country as Delta and other American airlines moved to cancel flights. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid rise in Omicron cases, China imposes travel restrictions in Tianjin

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics by the United States and its allies a mistake driven by a desire to restrain China's development.

Washington will not prevent China's emergence as a global competitor by dragging politics into sports, Putin said in reply to a question at his annual news conference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nhl-says-wont-send-players-for-beijing-games-after-regular-season-disrupted-due-to-surge-in-covid-19-cases-439109">NHL says won't send players for Beijing Games after regular season disrupted due to surge in COVID-19 cases</a>

Canada and the United Kingdom have said they will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the games, a move which Beijing has condemned as a betrayal of the Olympic principles. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics by the United States and its allies a mistake driven by a desire to restrain China's development.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics by the United States and its allies a mistake driven by a desire to restrain China's development. Washington will not prevent China's emergence as a global competitor by dragging politics into sports, Putin said in reply to a question at his annual news conference. ALSO READ: NHL says won't send players for Beijing Games after regular season disrupted due to surge in COVID-19 cases Canada and the United Kingdom have said they will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the games, a move which Beijing has condemned as a betrayal of the Olympic principles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Western diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics is a mistake

China expects to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics "smoothly" and on schedule, despite challenges posed by the emergence of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.

China: Winter Olympics will proceed as planned despite Omicron challenge

A majority of governments from the 90 countries participating in the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics have not opted to join a diplomatic boycott of the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said.

The United States, Britain and Australia are among countries that recently announced a diplomatic boycott of the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Games over China's human rights record, a stand that China dismissed as "political posturing".

In the European Union, countries such as France have sought a common EU response but the bloc is torn over whether to join the diplomatic boycott, fearful of Chinese retaliation that would hurt trade.

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"There are countries like the United States, Britain and Australia who took that decision," Bach told German broadcaster ZDF late on Tuesday.

"Several other countries, and not only several, if we say there will be 90 National Olympic Committees (NOC) present at the Games, there are most likely more than 70 or even more than 80 NOCs whose governments have not made such statements."

"But they all have one thing in common and that is they support their Olympic teams ... so that their athletes can live their Olympic dreams," Bach said.

Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Games to China for a second time, after human rights conditions following the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics failed to improve, according to the groups.

Last week, Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the IOC's Swiss headquarters in Lausanne, calling for an international Games boycott.

Similar protests took place during the Beijing Games torch-lighting ceremony in Greece's ancient Olympia and Athens in October.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

"What happened in between those years politically is not in our sphere of influence," said Bach, a German lawyer who won gold in fencing at the 1976 Olympics.

"You cannot blame the IOC and make it responsible for something a generation or two of politicians did not succeed in."

"We are responsible for the Olympic Games," Bach said. "Expectations that the Games can change the political system of a country are exaggerated."

A majority of governments from the 90 countries participating in the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics have not opted to join a diplomatic boycott of the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said.

A majority of governments from the 90 countries participating in the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics have not opted to join a diplomatic boycott of the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said. The United States, Britain and Australia are among countries that recently announced a diplomatic boycott of the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Games over China's human rights record, a stand that China dismissed as "political posturing". In the European Union, countries such as France have sought a common EU response but the bloc is torn over whether to join the diplomatic boycott, fearful of Chinese retaliation that would hurt trade. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony to be held on the River Seine - WATCH "There are countries like the United States, Britain and Australia who took that decision," Bach told German broadcaster ZDF late on Tuesday. "Several other countries, and not only several, if we say there will be 90 National Olympic Committees (NOC) present at the Games, there are most likely more than 70 or even more than 80 NOCs whose governments have not made such statements." "But they all have one thing in common and that is they support their Olympic teams ... so that their athletes can live their Olympic dreams," Bach said. Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Games to China for a second time, after human rights conditions following the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics failed to improve, according to the groups. Last week, Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the IOC's Swiss headquarters in Lausanne, calling for an international Games boycott. Similar protests took place during the Beijing Games torch-lighting ceremony in Greece's ancient Olympia and Athens in October. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' "What happened in between those years politically is not in our sphere of influence," said Bach, a German lawyer who won gold in fencing at the 1976 Olympics. "You cannot blame the IOC and make it responsible for something a generation or two of politicians did not succeed in." "We are responsible for the Olympic Games," Bach said. "Expectations that the Games can change the political system of a country are exaggerated."

Most countries won't join diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, says IOC President Thomas Bach

China is struggling with fulfilling its claim of making the country COVID free for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled to be held in February next year.

The Chinese authorities are willing and doing, everything that is required to keep the caseload to remain at zero. Despite strict protocols, some regions in China are reporting fresh cases daily.

China has implemented zero local transmissions, an official policy, at the cost of people's freedom and violation of rights.

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Citing a CNN report, Hong Kong Post reported that despite the strict monitoring, "cases have been detected over the past week in the country's largest cities, from Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou".

However, China claims that Beijing is isolated from the rest of the country during the period of the Winter Games to ensure that the virus does not enter the capital city.

At the beginning of the week, at least 61 new cases of COVID-19 were reported from the Chinese mainland, as per local media.

The Winter Games are already controversial because several countries led by the United States announced a diplomatic boycott.

Canada is the latest country to join the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, first initiated by the United States. The two other countries are Australia and the United Kingdom.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/senior-japanese-officials-to-skip-beijing-winter-olympics-in-a-diplomatic-boycott-report-436038">Senior Japanese officials to skip Beijing Winter Olympics in a diplomatic boycott - Report</a>

Human rights activists have raised their voices against China`s detention of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province and crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

In March, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity for alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to Sputnik.&nbsp;

China is struggling with fulfilling its claim of making the country COVID free for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled to be held in February next year.

China is struggling with fulfilling its claim of making the country COVID free for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, scheduled to be held in February next year. The Chinese authorities are willing and doing, everything that is required to keep the caseload to remain at zero. Despite strict protocols, some regions in China are reporting fresh cases daily. China has implemented zero local transmissions, an official policy, at the cost of people's freedom and violation of rights. ALSO READ: Tibetan students lock themselves to Olympic rings to protest Beijing Winter Olympics Citing a CNN report, Hong Kong Post reported that despite the strict monitoring, "cases have been detected over the past week in the country's largest cities, from Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou". However, China claims that Beijing is isolated from the rest of the country during the period of the Winter Games to ensure that the virus does not enter the capital city. At the beginning of the week, at least 61 new cases of COVID-19 were reported from the Chinese mainland, as per local media. The Winter Games are already controversial because several countries led by the United States announced a diplomatic boycott. Canada is the latest country to join the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, first initiated by the United States. The two other countries are Australia and the United Kingdom. ALSO READ: Senior Japanese officials to skip Beijing Winter Olympics in a diplomatic boycott - Report Human rights activists have raised their voices against China`s detention of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province and crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. In March, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity for alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to Sputnik.

China worried about COVID-19 spoiling Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Two Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the Swiss headquarters of the International Olympic Committee on Saturday to call for an international boycott of next year's winter games.

The pair were part of the latest protest against the 2022 Olympic Games over Beijing's abuse of human rights and its treatment of minorities.

The United States will not send government officials to the 2022 Winter Olympics due to China's human rights "atrocities," it said earlier this month.

Members of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (TYAE) and Students for a Free Tibet held a sit-in at the IOC building in Lausanne as officials gathered for a meeting.

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The activists demanded countries withdraw from the event they have called the "Genocide Games", which they say are being used to burnish China's reputation.

China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted areas in the country. Critics, led by exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, say Beijing's rule amounts to "cultural genocide".

Two activists unfurled a banner over the entry to the building reading, "No Beijing 2022," while five students got inside the building and held a sit-in protest.

"Despite mounting international criticism of the IOC and China, the Chinese regime`s human rights abuses in Tibet, East Turkestan, and Hong Kong continue unabated," said Tenzing Dhokhar, Campaigns Director of TYAE, one of the protesters.

"By collaborating with China, the IOC is making itself an accomplice of the Chinese Communist Party`s crimes, which will be sports-washed by the Beijing Olympics."

Police started removing the campaigners after three hours of protests. Organisers and a Reuters eyewitness described the protest as peaceful, but the IOC said one of its security guards was injured.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

"The IOC always listens to all concerns that are directly related to the Olympic Games. We have engaged multiple times with peaceful protesters and explained our position, but we will not engage with violent protesters who used force to enter the IOC building and injured a security guard by doing so," the IOC said in a statement.

The organisation has previously said it is a force for good and cannot have any influence over sovereign states.

Chinese authorities have been accused of facilitating forced labour by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in camps since 2016.

China denies wrongdoing, saying it has set up vocational training centres to combat extremism.

Two Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the Swiss headquarters of the International Olympic Committee on Saturday to call for an international boycott of next year's winter games.

Two Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the Swiss headquarters of the International Olympic Committee on Saturday to call for an international boycott of next year's winter games. The pair were part of the latest protest against the 2022 Olympic Games over Beijing's abuse of human rights and its treatment of minorities. The United States will not send government officials to the 2022 Winter Olympics due to China's human rights "atrocities," it said earlier this month. Members of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (TYAE) and Students for a Free Tibet held a sit-in at the IOC building in Lausanne as officials gathered for a meeting. ALSO READ: Senior Japanese officials to skip Beijing Winter Olympics in a diplomatic boycott - Report The activists demanded countries withdraw from the event they have called the "Genocide Games", which they say are being used to burnish China's reputation. China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted areas in the country. Critics, led by exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, say Beijing's rule amounts to "cultural genocide". Two activists unfurled a banner over the entry to the building reading, "No Beijing 2022," while five students got inside the building and held a sit-in protest. "Despite mounting international criticism of the IOC and China, the Chinese regime`s human rights abuses in Tibet, East Turkestan, and Hong Kong continue unabated," said Tenzing Dhokhar, Campaigns Director of TYAE, one of the protesters. "By collaborating with China, the IOC is making itself an accomplice of the Chinese Communist Party`s crimes, which will be sports-washed by the Beijing Olympics." Police started removing the campaigners after three hours of protests. Organisers and a Reuters eyewitness described the protest as peaceful, but the IOC said one of its security guards was injured. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' "The IOC always listens to all concerns that are directly related to the Olympic Games. We have engaged multiple times with peaceful protesters and explained our position, but we will not engage with violent protesters who used force to enter the IOC building and injured a security guard by doing so," the IOC said in a statement. The organisation has previously said it is a force for good and cannot have any influence over sovereign states. Chinese authorities have been accused of facilitating forced labour by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in camps since 2016. China denies wrongdoing, saying it has set up vocational training centres to combat extremism.

Tibetan students lock themselves to Olympic rings to protest Beijing Winter Olympics

Senior Japanese government officials will likely skip the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, joining the United States in a diplomatic boycott, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Saturday, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the matter.

Earlier this week, Canada joined Australia, Britain and the U.S. in saying they would not send top officials to the Games, citing longstanding concerns over China's human rights record.

China has called the boycotts "political posturing" and a smear campaign.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

The Yomiuri said Japan is likely to make a formal decision by the end of the month. The only officials now expected to attend are Olympics-related personnel, including Seiko Hashimoto, the former head of Tokyo's Olympic organising committee, the newspaper said.

On Friday, Japan's chief spokesman said nothing had been decided on whether the country was planning on sending officials to attend the event.

Senior Japanese government officials will likely skip the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, joining the United States in a diplomatic boycott, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Saturday, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the matter.

Senior Japanese government officials will likely skip the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, joining the United States in a diplomatic boycott, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Saturday, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the matter. Earlier this week, Canada joined Australia, Britain and the U.S. in saying they would not send top officials to the Games, citing longstanding concerns over China's human rights record. China has called the boycotts "political posturing" and a smear campaign. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' The Yomiuri said Japan is likely to make a formal decision by the end of the month. The only officials now expected to attend are Olympics-related personnel, including Seiko Hashimoto, the former head of Tokyo's Olympic organising committee, the newspaper said. On Friday, Japan's chief spokesman said nothing had been decided on whether the country was planning on sending officials to attend the event.

Senior Japanese officials to skip Beijing Winter Olympics in a diplomatic boycott -  Report

France has refused to join the diplomatic boycott of the winter Olympics that is scheduled to take place in Beijing, calling such a move “insignificant”.

French President Emanuel Macron said that the boycott, led by the US and other western nations, is just a “symbolic step” and added that it won’t have any significant impact.

So far, only three countries— Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada—apart from US have openly declared their diplomatic boycott, saying that they would not send government representatives to the 2022 Winter Olympics to protest against China’s human rights record.

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-435220">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces 'diplomatic boycott' of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022</a>

These countries said that they would only send their athletes to participate in the event.

The boycott was also in response to a crackdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong and concerns about Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who was not seen for weeks after she accused a top government official of sexual assault.

“To be clear: You either have a complete boycott, and not send athletes, or you try to change things with useful actions,” AFP quoted Macron as saying at a news conference on Thursday.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">&nbsp;Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

He, however, added that he was “in favour of action that has a useful outcome”.

Questioning the utility of the diplomatic boycott, Macron noted that he “didn’t hear anybody in the world say: Let’s not send our athletes. So, we’re talking about something rather symbolic,” he said.

France would instead work with the International Olympic Committee on a charter guaranteeing the protection of athletes “given what has happened over recent weeks”, Macron said in an apparent reference to tennis player Peng Shuai.

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-citing-human-rights-violations-by-china-435284">Canada announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics citing human rights violations by China</a>

Beijing had reacted strongly to the boycott, saying that the countries “will pay the price for their mistaken acts”.

Meanwhile United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he had accepted an invitation to attend the opening of the games.

(With inputs from agencies)

France has refused to join the diplomatic boycott of the winter Olympics that is scheduled to take place in Beijing, calling such a move “insignificant”. French President Emanuel Macron said that the boycott, led by the US and other western nations, is just a “symbolic step” and added that it won’t have any significant impact.

France has refused to join the diplomatic boycott of the winter Olympics that is scheduled to take place in Beijing, calling such a move “insignificant”. French President Emanuel Macron said that the boycott, led by the US and other western nations, is just a “symbolic step” and added that it won’t have any significant impact. So far, only three countries— Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada—apart from US have openly declared their diplomatic boycott, saying that they would not send government representatives to the 2022 Winter Olympics to protest against China’s human rights record. Also read | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces 'diplomatic boycott' of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 These countries said that they would only send their athletes to participate in the event. The boycott was also in response to a crackdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong and concerns about Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who was not seen for weeks after she accused a top government official of sexual assault. “To be clear: You either have a complete boycott, and not send athletes, or you try to change things with useful actions,” AFP quoted Macron as saying at a news conference on Thursday. Also read | Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' He, however, added that he was “in favour of action that has a useful outcome”. Questioning the utility of the diplomatic boycott, Macron noted that he “didn’t hear anybody in the world say: Let’s not send our athletes. So, we’re talking about something rather symbolic,” he said. France would instead work with the International Olympic Committee on a charter guaranteeing the protection of athletes “given what has happened over recent weeks”, Macron said in an apparent reference to tennis player Peng Shuai. Also read | Canada announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics citing human rights violations by China Beijing had reacted strongly to the boycott, saying that the countries “will pay the price for their mistaken acts”. Meanwhile United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he had accepted an invitation to attend the opening of the games. (With inputs from agencies)

French President Macron calls diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics ‘insignificant’

China has warned Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, saying that nations would "pay the price" for the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

China has warned Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, saying that nations would "pay the price" for the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. On Monday (December 6), the US announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics citing reports of 'egregious' human rights violations, which China has denied repeatedly. Hours after the United States' announcement, Australia, the UK and Canada also confirmed that they will not send government officials to the Games, which will be held between February 4 to February 20 next year. ALSO READ | Canada announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics citing human rights violations by China However, the athletes of the mentioned countries will participate as scheduled. In the aftermath, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry told a regular news conference: "The United States, Britain and Australia have used the Olympics platform for political manipulation. They will have to pay the price for their mistaken acts." Meanwhile, France on Thursday said it will not be boycotting the Games, adding that violations of human rights in China must be condemned. French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV: "As for a diplomatic boycott... France will not do it... Sports is a world in itself, which must be protected from political interference, otherwise... we can end up by killing the competition." It is important to note that International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Wednesday (December 8) that he was staying politically neutral on the matter. He insisted that the important point is the "participation of the athletes in the Olympic Games". ALSO READ | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces 'diplomatic boycott' of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 Chinese Embassy in Australia reacts to diplomatic boycott The Chinese Embassy in Australia issued a statement saying that 'mountains can not stop the river from flowing into the sea' afrer Australia's decision. In the statement, the embassy blamed Australia for the current predicament of China-Australia relations, stating that the onus lies "squarely on the Australian side". Wishing the Australian athletes "excellent performance" for the Winter Olympics, the embassy said that they believe athletes will witness a streamlined and safe Olympics in China. (With inputs from agencies)

Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'

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;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-embassy-in-australia-reacts-to-diplomatic-boycott-of-winter-olympics-mountains-cant-stop-the-river-435253">Chinese Embassy in Australia reacts to diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics: 'Mountains can't stop the river'</a>

"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

After the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, Canada now announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, scheduled to be held between February 4 to February 20 next year.

After the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, Canada now announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, scheduled to be held between February 4 to February 20 next year. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada said that the nation remains "deeply disturbed" by reports of human rights violations in China which is the reason why the country will not send any diplomatic representatives to the event. In a news conference, PM Trudeau said, "As many (of our) partners around the world, we are extremely concerned by the repeated human rights violations by the Chinese government." ALSO READ | Chinese Embassy in Australia reacts to diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics: 'Mountains can't stop the river' "That is why we are announcing today that we will not be sending any diplomatic representation to the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games this winter," he added. However, just like the above-mentioned countries, Canada will also send athletes to the Games. "Regarding the safety of our athletes, I can assure you that everything will be done by Canada and our allies to ensure that our athletes can focus on one thing and one only […]: representing Canada well and winning. Their job is to do that," Trudeau said. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Canada needed to send a strong message to Beijing. In the conference, Joly said, "We have several countries in the world sending a clear message to China that human rights violations [are] unacceptable. That's why we work at the diplomatic level together. That's why we work in coalition." ALSO READ | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces 'diplomatic boycott' of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 In a press release, the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees (COC) said respected the Trudeau government's decision. "This announcement makes an important distinction between athlete participation and government officials' participation in the Games. History has shown that boycotting athletes only hurts athletes without creating significant changes," COC said. Canada-China ties Recently, Canada's relations with Western countries are worsening over a range of issues as China has been facing criticism over reported genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses. If we talk about Canada-China ties, the relations deteriorated over Beijing's detention of two Canadian nationals in response to Canada's arrest on a US warrant of Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of Huawei's founder. All three were released and repatriated in September.

Canada announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics citing human rights violations by China

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson said Wednesday the UK would diplomatically boycott the Winter Olympics being held in Beijing in February by not sending any ministers to the global event.

"There will be effectively a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing," Johnson told MPs when asked about the issue in parliament.

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Johnson said he typically did not support "sporting boycotts", but revealed there were no plans for government ministers to attend the games over alleged human rights abuses by China.&nbsp;

"I do not think that sporting boycotts are sensible -- that remains the policy of the government," he added.

The UK move follows similar steps by other Western countries, with Australia on Wednesday also announcing it would join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Games.

The allies have a growing discord with China&nbsp;over a slew of issues that has plunged relations into the most serious crisis since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-2022-key-western-allies-remain-in-two-minds-434910">US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, key Western allies remain in two minds</a>

They include human rights abuses in Xinjiang and a crackdown on pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong, a former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday the UK would diplomatically boycott the Winter Olympics being held in Beijing in February by not sending any ministers to the global event.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday the UK would diplomatically boycott the Winter Olympics being held in Beijing in February by not sending any ministers to the global event. "There will be effectively a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing," Johnson told MPs when asked about the issue in parliament. ALSO READ: China reacts to Australia's diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, says 'nobody cares' Johnson said he typically did not support "sporting boycotts", but revealed there were no plans for government ministers to attend the games over alleged human rights abuses by China. "I do not think that sporting boycotts are sensible -- that remains the policy of the government," he added. The UK move follows similar steps by other Western countries, with Australia on Wednesday also announcing it would join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Games. The allies have a growing discord with China over a slew of issues that has plunged relations into the most serious crisis since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. ALSO READ | US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, key Western allies remain in two minds They include human rights abuses in Xinjiang and a crackdown on pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong, a former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces 'diplomatic boycott' of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Australia will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, as other allies weighed similar moves to protest China's human rights record.

The United States has said its government officials will boycott February's Beijing Olympics because of China's human rights "atrocities", just weeks after talks aimed at easing tense relations between the world's two largest economies.

China said the United States would "pay the price"&nbsp;for its decision and warned of countermeasures in response, but gave no details.

Morrison said Wednesday's decision came because of Australia's struggles to re-open diplomatic channels with China to discuss alleged human rights abuses in the far western region of Xinjiang and Beijing's moves against Australian imports.

Announcing the plans, Morrison said Beijing had not responded to several issues raised by Canberra, including the rights abuse accusations.

"So it is not surprising therefore that Australian government officials would not be going to China for those Games," Morrison told reporters in Sydney. Australian athletes will attend.

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China has denied any wrongdoing in Xinjiang and said allegations are fabricated.

Its foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a daily briefing in Beijing that Australian politicians were engaged in "political posturing".

"Whether they come or not, nobody cares," he added.

The Australian Olympic Committee said the boycott would have no impact on athletes'&nbsp;preparations for the Games, which run from Feb. 4 to 20, adding that "diplomatic options" were a matter for governments.

Other U.S. allies have been slow to commit to joining the boycott.

Britain is considering approving limited government attendance at the event in the Chinese capital that would stop short of a full diplomatic boycott, the Telegraph newspaper said on Wednesday.

An outright ban on ministerial and diplomatic representation at the Winter Games remains a possibility, it added.

Japan is considering not sending cabinet members to Games after the United States announced its diplomatic boycott, the Sankei Shimbun daily said on Wednesday, citing unidentified government sources.

A South Korean presidential official said the country is currently not considering a diplomatic boycott.

President Joe Biden's administration cited what the United States calls genocide against minority Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. China denies all rights abuses.

The Winter Games will begin about six months after the Summer Games wrapped up in the Japanese capital of Tokyo following a year's delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-biden-putin-virtual-summit-russia-slams-us-move-to-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-434860">Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

"We always ask for as much respect as possible and least possible interference from the political world," said Juan Antonio Samaranch, who heads the International Olympic Committee's coordination panel for the Beijing event.

"We have to be reciprocal. We respect the political decisions taken by political bodies."

The United States is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is preparing to bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

The American diplomatic boycott, encouraged for months by some members of the U.S. Congress and rights groups, comes despite an effort to stabilise the two nations` ties, with a video meeting last month between Biden and China`s Xi Jinping.

'THE ONLY OPTION'

Unless other countries joined the boycott it would undermine the message that China's human rights abuses are unacceptable, said Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

"The only option really that is available to us is to try to get as many countries as we can to stand with us in this coalition," Glaser told a U.S. congressional hearing on Tuesday.

Ties between Australia and its top trade partner, China, are at a low ebb after Canberra banned Huawei Technologies from its 5G broadband network in 2018 and sought an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

Beijing responded with tariffs on Australian commodities such as barley, beef, coal and wine.

Australia will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, as other allies weighed similar moves to protest China's human rights record.

Australia will join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, as other allies weighed similar moves to protest China's human rights record. The United States has said its government officials will boycott February's Beijing Olympics because of China's human rights "atrocities", just weeks after talks aimed at easing tense relations between the world's two largest economies. China said the United States would "pay the price" for its decision and warned of countermeasures in response, but gave no details. Morrison said Wednesday's decision came because of Australia's struggles to re-open diplomatic channels with China to discuss alleged human rights abuses in the far western region of Xinjiang and Beijing's moves against Australian imports. Announcing the plans, Morrison said Beijing had not responded to several issues raised by Canberra, including the rights abuse accusations. "So it is not surprising therefore that Australian government officials would not be going to China for those Games," Morrison told reporters in Sydney. Australian athletes will attend. ALSO READ: US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, key Western allies remain in two minds China has denied any wrongdoing in Xinjiang and said allegations are fabricated. Its foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a daily briefing in Beijing that Australian politicians were engaged in "political posturing". "Whether they come or not, nobody cares," he added. The Australian Olympic Committee said the boycott would have no impact on athletes' preparations for the Games, which run from Feb. 4 to 20, adding that "diplomatic options" were a matter for governments. Other U.S. allies have been slow to commit to joining the boycott. Britain is considering approving limited government attendance at the event in the Chinese capital that would stop short of a full diplomatic boycott, the Telegraph newspaper said on Wednesday. An outright ban on ministerial and diplomatic representation at the Winter Games remains a possibility, it added. Japan is considering not sending cabinet members to Games after the United States announced its diplomatic boycott, the Sankei Shimbun daily said on Wednesday, citing unidentified government sources. A South Korean presidential official said the country is currently not considering a diplomatic boycott. President Joe Biden's administration cited what the United States calls genocide against minority Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. China denies all rights abuses. The Winter Games will begin about six months after the Summer Games wrapped up in the Japanese capital of Tokyo following a year's delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ | Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics "We always ask for as much respect as possible and least possible interference from the political world," said Juan Antonio Samaranch, who heads the International Olympic Committee's coordination panel for the Beijing event. "We have to be reciprocal. We respect the political decisions taken by political bodies." The United States is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is preparing to bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The American diplomatic boycott, encouraged for months by some members of the U.S. Congress and rights groups, comes despite an effort to stabilise the two nations` ties, with a video meeting last month between Biden and China`s Xi Jinping. 'THE ONLY OPTION' Unless other countries joined the boycott it would undermine the message that China's human rights abuses are unacceptable, said Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "The only option really that is available to us is to try to get as many countries as we can to stand with us in this coalition," Glaser told a U.S. congressional hearing on Tuesday. Ties between Australia and its top trade partner, China, are at a low ebb after Canberra banned Huawei Technologies from its 5G broadband network in 2018 and sought an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. Beijing responded with tariffs on Australian commodities such as barley, beef, coal and wine.

Australia joins diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Games to protest human rights record

The US announces diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing winter Olympics in a protest against China's Human Rights abuses. There will be no diplomatic or official representation by the United States in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in a bid to raise voice against China's tainted human rights record in Xinjiang province. Beijing is also planning countermeasures against the US. However, US athletes will continue to participate in the games.

US to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics diplomatically in protest against China's Human Rights abuses

Germany's independent elite athletes'&nbsp;organisation has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provide evidence of the safety of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and called for an independent investigation into her situation.

Peng's whereabouts became a matter of international concern&nbsp;following a nearly three-week public absence after she posted a message on social media in early November alleging that China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the Chinese government have commented on Peng's allegation and the topic has been blocked from direct discussion on China's heavily censored internet.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-dont-want-to-punish-a-billion-people-says-intl-tennis-federation-chief-amid-call-for-china-boycott-434577">'We don't want to punish a billion people', says Int'l Tennis Federation chief amid call for China boycott</a>

In the wake of concerns over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng and the safety of other players, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) last week announced the immediate suspension of tournaments in China.

Following the WTA's decision, the IOC said it had held a second video call with Peng, after having first talked to her on Nov. 21.

Athleten Deutschland said that the IOC's statements "provide no evidence as to whether Peng Shuai is actually safe, whether she can make free decisions and whether she can express herself free of coercion and censorship".

It praised the WTA for standing up for Peng and said the IOC should follow this example. It must "put the protection of the survivor above political and economic considerations," Athleten Deutschland said.

It also called for an independent investigation into the matter.

Beijing is hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in February. Global rights groups and others have called for a boycott of the Games over China's human rights record.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-urges-for-communication-between-peng-shuai-and-wta-after-suspension-of-tennis-tournaments-in-china-433661">ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China</a>

Athleten Deutschland also called upon the IOC to make the protection of athletes its first priority and to ensure the safety of athletes at the Beijing Games.

The group also urged the IOC to commit to human rights and implement a rights strategy, and to push China for assurances on the issue at the Winter Games.

The IOC declined to respond to Athleten Deutschland`s requests, saying it had nothing to add to last week's statement.

Germany's independent elite athletes' organisation has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provide evidence of the safety of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and called for an independent investigation into her situation.

Germany's independent elite athletes' organisation has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provide evidence of the safety of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and called for an independent investigation into her situation. Peng's whereabouts became a matter of international concern following a nearly three-week public absence after she posted a message on social media in early November alleging that China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her. Neither Zhang, who retired in 2018, nor the Chinese government have commented on Peng's allegation and the topic has been blocked from direct discussion on China's heavily censored internet. ALSO READ: 'We don't want to punish a billion people', says Int'l Tennis Federation chief amid call for China boycott In the wake of concerns over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng and the safety of other players, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) last week announced the immediate suspension of tournaments in China. Following the WTA's decision, the IOC said it had held a second video call with Peng, after having first talked to her on Nov. 21. Athleten Deutschland said that the IOC's statements "provide no evidence as to whether Peng Shuai is actually safe, whether she can make free decisions and whether she can express herself free of coercion and censorship". It praised the WTA for standing up for Peng and said the IOC should follow this example. It must "put the protection of the survivor above political and economic considerations," Athleten Deutschland said. It also called for an independent investigation into the matter. Beijing is hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in February. Global rights groups and others have called for a boycott of the Games over China's human rights record. ALSO READ: ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China Athleten Deutschland also called upon the IOC to make the protection of athletes its first priority and to ensure the safety of athletes at the Beijing Games. The group also urged the IOC to commit to human rights and implement a rights strategy, and to push China for assurances on the issue at the Winter Games. The IOC declined to respond to Athleten Deutschland`s requests, saying it had nothing to add to last week's statement.

German athletes' group asks IOC for evidence of Peng Shuai's safety, calls for investigation

According to a Chinese official, the coronavirus resurgence in China has entered its final stage.&nbsp;China's National Health Commission (NHC) reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in the country on Saturday showing a dip in the number of cases from a day earlier.

The NHC informed that health authorities had given vaccine doses to over 76 per cent of the population. Reports claim&nbsp;over 1 billion people have&nbsp;received both doses in the country. The health agency said over 65 million people have also received booster doses.

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Health officials in China have imposed strict restrictions with the country set to host the Winter Olympics in February. Flight passengers in Beijing have to show negative virus test results with restrictions imposed in regions where the virus has been surging.

Reports claimed three athletes were detected with the virus as they arrived for training for the winter games. Chinese officials have also restricted the number of venues for the games in an attempt to keep virus cases at bay.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-flareups-surge-in-provinces-429245">Also Read:&nbsp;China's coronavirus 'flareups' surge in provinces</a>

Earlier, officials had closed malls and undertaken lockdown measures as areas in China's capital showed coronavirus flareups. People and staff inside the malls were not allowed to leave as health workers conducted tests amid strict monitoring of visitors.

China's eastern region of Qingdao had earlier witnessed an outbreak. Chinese officials have been touting the "zero Covid" strategy amid a steep rise in the past few months in various provinces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-birth-rate-fell-below-1-in-2020-lowest-in-43-years-430907">Also Read:&nbsp;China's birth rate fell below 1% in 2020; lowest in 43 years</a>

Several areas in the country have been put under lockdown as cluster outbreaks were reported in towns. The country witnessed virus cases in areas neighbouring Russia as strict COVID-19 rules were put in place including flight restrictions and train cancellation.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to a Chinese official, the coronavirus resurgence in China has entered its final stage. China's National Health Commission (NHC) reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in the country on Saturday showing a dip in the number of cases from a day earlier.

According to a Chinese official, the coronavirus resurgence in China has entered its final stage. China's National Health Commission (NHC) reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in the country on Saturday showing a dip in the number of cases from a day earlier. The NHC informed that health authorities had given vaccine doses to over 76 per cent of the population. Reports claim over 1 billion people have received both doses in the country. The health agency said over 65 million people have also received booster doses. Also Read: China puts restrictions on kids' clothing company after alleged COVID risk Health officials in China have imposed strict restrictions with the country set to host the Winter Olympics in February. Flight passengers in Beijing have to show negative virus test results with restrictions imposed in regions where the virus has been surging. Reports claimed three athletes were detected with the virus as they arrived for training for the winter games. Chinese officials have also restricted the number of venues for the games in an attempt to keep virus cases at bay. Also Read: China's coronavirus 'flareups' surge in provinces Earlier, officials had closed malls and undertaken lockdown measures as areas in China's capital showed coronavirus flareups. People and staff inside the malls were not allowed to leave as health workers conducted tests amid strict monitoring of visitors. China's eastern region of Qingdao had earlier witnessed an outbreak. Chinese officials have been touting the "zero Covid" strategy amid a steep rise in the past few months in various provinces. Also Read: China's birth rate fell below 1% in 2020; lowest in 43 years Several areas in the country have been put under lockdown as cluster outbreaks were reported in towns. The country witnessed virus cases in areas neighbouring Russia as strict COVID-19 rules were put in place including flight restrictions and train cancellation. (With inputs from Agencies)

Virus resurgence in final stage, claims Chinese health official

India's Alpine skier Arif Khan has qualified for the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, which is scheduled to be held from February 4 to 20 next year.&nbsp;

The 30-years-old Arif secured the place in the Games during the qualifying alpine skiing event in Dubai. Alpine skiing consists of five events: Downhill, super G, slalom, giant slalom and combined.&nbsp;

Arif, who hails from Kashmir, became the first Indian to be eligible to compete at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the slalom event.

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Slalom skiing is the shortest alpine event, involving skiing between poles or gates where skiers need to perform fast turns and rapid changes of direction.&nbsp;

Two rounds are held and ranking is established by adding the times of the two runs. During the games, the men's slalom event will be held on February 16.&nbsp;

It is important to note that in order to qualify for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the slalom, the average of five best results in the event between the period of July 1, 2019, to January 16, 2022, is considered.&nbsp;

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Extra 20 per cent of the average points are added to the International Ski Federation (FIS) points list of those alpine skiers who have competed in less than five events during this period.&nbsp;

Arif Khan finished ninth, 10th and twice finished 11th in four slalom events over the past week at the Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.&nbsp;

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Arif Khan is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beijing2022</a> bound! ⛷️ 
 
The Indian alpine skier has sealed a quota place in the men's slalom event at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherForASharedFuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherForASharedFuture</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinterOlympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinterOlympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/48YG81Sgyu">pic.twitter.com/48YG81Sgyu</a>
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020hi/status/1462084252523184129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations to skier Arif Khan for qualifying for Beijing Winter Olympics2022. It is a proud moment for the whole country.<a href="https://twitter.com/JKSportsCouncil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JKSportsCouncil</a> to ensure Arif is provided with world-class training facilities by best-in-class coaches&amp;support staff.I wish him all the best for games.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1462074685936467969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Arif for the achievement and wrote, "Congratulations Arif, well done for qualifying for #Beijing2022. We will all be rooting for you."

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan also congratulated Arif Khan, he said, "Congratulations to skier Arif Khan for qualifying for Beijing Winter Olympics2022. It is a proud moment for the whole country. @JKSportsCouncil to ensure Arif is provided with world-class training facilities by best-in-class coaches&amp;support staff.I wish him all the best for games."

Previously, India had two representatives at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Jagdish Singh competed in the 15km freestyle event of cross-country skiing while Shiva Keshavan took part in the luge.

India's Alpine skier Arif Khan has qualified for the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, which is scheduled to be held from February 4 to 20 next year. The 30-years-old Arif secured the place in the Games during the qualifying alpine skiing event in Dubai.

India's Alpine skier Arif Khan has qualified for the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, which is scheduled to be held from February 4 to 20 next year. The 30-years-old Arif secured the place in the Games during the qualifying alpine skiing event in Dubai. Alpine skiing consists of five events: Downhill, super G, slalom, giant slalom and combined. Arif, who hails from Kashmir, became the first Indian to be eligible to compete at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the slalom event. ALSO READ | China says 'politicising sports' hurts Olympic spirit as Joe Biden mulls boycott Slalom skiing is the shortest alpine event, involving skiing between poles or gates where skiers need to perform fast turns and rapid changes of direction. Two rounds are held and ranking is established by adding the times of the two runs. During the games, the men's slalom event will be held on February 16. It is important to note that in order to qualify for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the slalom, the average of five best results in the event between the period of July 1, 2019, to January 16, 2022, is considered. ALSO READ | Chinese state media reporter shares purported pictures of Peng Shuai, US concerned over her whereabouts Extra 20 per cent of the average points are added to the International Ski Federation (FIS) points list of those alpine skiers who have competed in less than five events during this period. Arif Khan finished ninth, 10th and twice finished 11th in four slalom events over the past week at the Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Arif Khan is #Beijing2022 bound! ⛷️ The Indian alpine skier has sealed a quota place in the men's slalom event at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.#TogetherForASharedFuture #Olympics #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/48YG81Sgyu — #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) November 20, 2021 × Congratulations to skier Arif Khan for qualifying for Beijing Winter Olympics2022. It is a proud moment for the whole country.@JKSportsCouncil to ensure Arif is provided with world-class training facilities by best-in-class coaches&support staff.I wish him all the best for games. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) November 20, 2021 × Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Arif for the achievement and wrote, "Congratulations Arif, well done for qualifying for #Beijing2022. We will all be rooting for you." Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan also congratulated Arif Khan, he said, "Congratulations to skier Arif Khan for qualifying for Beijing Winter Olympics2022. It is a proud moment for the whole country. @JKSportsCouncil to ensure Arif is provided with world-class training facilities by best-in-class coaches&support staff.I wish him all the best for games." Previously, India had two representatives at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Jagdish Singh competed in the 15km freestyle event of cross-country skiing while Shiva Keshavan took part in the luge.

India's Alpine skier Arif Khan, who hails from Kashmir, qualifies for Beijing Winter Olympics 2022