Diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 

Diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 

Part of: Prelims and GS-II – International relations

Context USA recently formally announced a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in response to China’s human rights record, especially the ongoing Uighur abuse

• The diplomatic boycott would mean the USA will not send “any diplomatic or official representation,” while still allowing American athletes to compete.

About winter Olympic 

• The Winter Olympic Games is a major international multi-sport event held once every four years for sports practised on snow and ice. 
• The first Winter Olympic Games was held in 1924 in Chamonix, France. 
• The IOC is the governing body and the Olympic Charter defines its structure and authority.

About Uighurs

• Uighurs, are a minority Turkic ethnic group originating from and culturally affiliated with the general region of Central and East Asia.
• The Uyghurs are recognized as native to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.
• China rejects the idea of them being an indigenous group
• Since 2016, it is estimated that over a million Uyghurs have been detained in Xinjiang re-education camps