America’s Farcical ‘Diplomatic Boycott’ Will Fail To Detract from the Glorious Beijing Winter Olympics

As the Beijing Winter Olympics approach, American criticism and attempts to interfere have been incessant.

Under a pretext of concern for “human rights violations,” the United States called for a “diplomatic boycott” of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Such untenable accusations constantly aim to besmirch and demonize China.

First, when the United States applied for Chinese visas for State Department officials, it argued that these officials weren't official representatives but rather “safety and medical staff going to support.” The United States reiterated that it “wouldn’t send official representatives” to the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Afterward, the breaking news in foreign media was that the American embassy was waiting for the Chinese government’s “authorization” to allow some officials and their families to “evacuate” and return to their home country. The reason given was the overly strict measures China had taken in pandemic prevention and control. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian pointed out that China is, without doubt, the safest country on Earth. Leaving the safest place could only increase the Americans’ risk of infection. The baffling logic underpinning the U.S. decision is riddled with inconsistencies.

Aware the ruse had been seen through, the U.S. State Department began to claim that Beijing's quarantine and COVID-19 testing rules violated diplomatic privileges and immunity. The U.S. demanded that China relax its policy on pandemic prevention and quarantine policies for its diplomats.

Ultimately, these American tricks were of no avail. Leaders of international organizations and diplomats from dozens of countries still attended the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Over the past few days Chinese leadership had intensive meetings with foreign guests. China, together with other nations, issued joint declarations and signed many cooperative agreements, demonstrating China’s international influence and conveying a strong message of solidarity.

As this was going on, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival attracted much attention. Putin said that China was Russia's most important strategic partner as well as an ally with a closely aligned perspective. Chinese-Russian relations are a 21st century international relations model of success.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that while the current situation in international politics and economics has grown progressively more complicated, there is no power that can slow China’s pace of progress. China’s strong growth is unstoppable. Pakistan is a trusted ally that will firmly stand with China through thick and thin.

This stance resonates loudly and is deeply touching.

Those guests attending the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony and meeting with Chinese leadership are widely representative; from Africa to Europe, from Asia to Latin America, China has allies around the world. Even though winter sports aren't popular in some countries and their participating athletes are few, foreign leadership still came.

In the three short days from Feb. 4-6, Chinese leadership held dozens of meetings. China, along with Russia, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Argentina, Mongolia, Pakistan and many other nations, issued a joint statement and signed a series of cooperative agreements.

While a wonderful sporting event was underway, China's substantial diplomatic achievements were also taking place on our own home field.

Spain's online newspaper, El Mundo, pointed out that America is trying to lead an international movement of “a Beijing Winter Olympics without a diplomatic presence.” Because athletes from these countries are still competing, the attitude of this alleged “boycott” seems to be merely symbolic and lacking in substance.

The American website Politico frankly acknowledged that only a few countries followed suit and that the United States had already lost to China in the competition for geopolitical influence.

America's farcical “diplomatic boycott” will fail to detract from the glorious Beijing Winter Olympics. The unstoppable tides of the time are vast and mighty. The United States’ attempt to rope in an anti-China clique turned out to be an unpopular move. Cooperation and mutually beneficial win-win policies are the right path for humanity.