China on Thursday (December 9) warned countries not to politicize sports in response to New Zealand's Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor's comments about a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
O'Connor made the remarks during an appearance before the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Select Committee on Thursday, local media reported. It is important New Zealand does not send diplomatic representatives at a ministerial level to the 2022 Winter Olympics, O'Connor said, as "we need to stand up and make points" and Auckland is "very strong on those issues around human rights".
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news conference in Beijing that athletes from all countries, including New Zealand, are welcomed to the sports extravaganza.
"We hope all parties will demonstrate a 'more united' Olympic spirit and stop politicizing sports," Wang said.
The United States was the first to announce a boycott, saying on Monday (December 6) its government officials would not attend the Feb. 4-20 Games because of China's human rights "atrocities," weeks after talks aimed at easing tension between the world's two largest economies.
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said on Tuesday (December 7) the country will not be sending ministers to the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, citing COVID-19 as the reason.