[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] China has come to the defense of the North Korean Olympic Committee (NOC), which was sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for not participating in the Tokyo Olympics.
On the 9th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a regular briefing, responded to a domestic media question about China’s stance on North Korea being barred from participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics next year as a national team due to IOC sanctions, stating, "North Korea did not participate in the Tokyo Olympics because of infectious disease concerns."
He added, "China is paying close attention to the relevant news from the IOC and, as the host country of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, is actively advancing various preparations." Zhao Lijian emphasized, "We have the capability and confidence to host a concise, safe, and splendid Olympics," and said, "We want to communicate with the IOC and related countries regarding the participation of delegations coming to China for the competitions."
Earlier, the IOC imposed a sanction suspending the NOC’s status until the end of next year, citing North Korea’s failure to fulfill its obligation to participate in the Games by not attending the Tokyo Olympics. As a result, North Korea will not be able to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics held in China next February as a national team.
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