France "Will Not Join Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics"

"Condemnation of Discrimination and Persecution of Minorities Including Uyghurs... Sports Must Be Protected from Political Interference"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] The French government announced on the 9th (local time) that it will not participate in the boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics by the United States and four other countries, according to French BFM Broadcasting.

According to the report, Jean-Michel Blanquer, French Minister of Education, appeared on BFM Broadcasting that day and stated, "We condemn discrimination and persecution against minorities such as Uyghurs, but a diplomatic boycott is a separate matter."

Minister Blanquer also said, "France will not boycott," adding, "Sports have intrinsic meaning worldwide and must be protected from political interference."

Earlier, the U.S. government declared a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics scheduled for next year on the 6th, citing human rights issues in China, including the oppression of Uyghurs. The U.S. will send athletes to the Olympics but will not dispatch a government delegation. So far, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have joined this move.