According to a report released just hours after a White House virtual summit, President Biden will declare a boycott of 2022 Beijing Olympics because of human rights violations.
A diplomatic boycott typically means that Biden officials will not attend but US athletes will still compete.
It would be a compromise between human rights advocates who demand a complete withdrawal from China due to its abuses of the Uighur population in Xinjiang and athletes who have been training for a life to compete.
Only fans from China will be allowed to see the 2022 games, which take place February 4-20 in Beijing.
According to Washington Post, the administration hasn’t yet made a decision. However, a formal recommendation was made to President Obama and it is expected that he will announce the outcome before the end the month.
Andrew Bates (White House deputy press secretary) said the Olympics did not feature in Biden’s three and a half-hour meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. An earlier White House official stated that they engaged in “healthy discussion” but didn’t reach any breakthroughs.
Biden, according to a reading of the conference call, raised concern about China’s practice with Xinjiang Tibet and Hong Kong as well as other human rights.
The US will notify allies about its decision, but it is up to each individual to decide whether they wish to go to the Beijing 2022 games.
Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States was last seen at 2020 Summer Olympic Games Tokyo.
In 1980, the Olympics were held in Moscow (Russia) and the US was the last to boycott them. In protest against the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan, sixty-five nations, including the US, pulled out of the Games.
Not only was the US refusing to allow their athletes to participate, but they also warned them that they could lose their US passports if they compete under their Olympic flag.
Last month, human rights activists protested in Southern Greece the traditional flame-lighting ceremony. They were angry at the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC), plan to host the Games for Beijing. The 2022 Olympics have been dubbed “genocide games” by them.
European Parliament and UK parliament voted in July 2021 for a diplomatic boycott against the games. Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, urged for a boycott of the diplomatic games to prevent athletes being punished.
One maintenance worker in face-mask walks past a spectator stand near a logo of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Protective suits are worn by medical personnel as they watch the China Ice Sports College hockey teams practice on the ice at the Experience Beijing Ice Hockey Domestic Test Activity. This is an event to test whether the country will host the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The activity took place Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Some Olympic broadcasters including NBC tried to cancel their plans to broadcast the games’ broadcasting due to abuses of human rights.
Beijing waged a violent targeted attack on its Uighur population in Xinjiang Province. It swept up more than a million Uighurs, along with other predominantly Muslim minorities, into prisons and detention camps.
Chinese authorities say their goal is not to eliminate the Uighurs — a historically Muslim group of 13 million people — but to integrate them.
China’s crackdown against protesters in Hong Kong and its encroachment upon Taiwan and Tibet, as well as the cover-up of Covid-19’s origins have also drawn international condemnation.
Chinese media reports that Xi warned Biden after the summit, that encouraging Taiwanese independence was ‘playing in fire’
“Some US citizens intend to “use Taiwan to subjugate China.” According to Xinhua, he said that this trend was very risky and is similar to playing with fire. Those who play with fire are likely get burnt.
Although the White House’s post-summit readout was more cautious, it was evident that Biden was attempting to counter Beijing’s aggressive position toward Taiwan.
According to the White House, the statement stated, “On Taiwan, President Biden underlined that the United States…strongly opposes unilateral attempts at changing the status-quo or undermining peace and stabilization across the Taiwan Strait.”
“He expressed his deep concern over some Beijing’s actions that he felt were at odds with stability and peace across the Strait,” a senior official claimed.
As part of a protest in Beijing against 2022 Winter Olympics, exile Tibetans used the Olympic Rings to prop up their street demonstration
Due to the human rights violations, some Olympic broadcasters (including NBC) tried to cancel plans to air broadcasting for the games.
Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States was last at 2020 Summer Olympic Games Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi appeared to make a sly dig at Joe Biden when he greeted him as an ‘old friend’ at the start of their first video meeting for their virtual summit Monday night.
Biden, who has previously pushed back on the assertion he and Xi were friends and called their meetings ‘pure business’, noted that the two men have ‘spent an awful lot of time talking to each other.’
However, he recommended that the meeting be started’more formally’ even though they have not been as formal before.
Xi seems to have trolled Biden, coming out strong and greeting Biden as an old friend’ – in stark contradiction to the repeated deniments by the President and Jen Psaki (his press secretary) that they aren’t ‘old buddies’.
Biden took a sharp stance during the summer. Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy, who asked if he would call Xi ‘old friend to old friend’ – seeking access for World Health Organization investigators searching for the origins of COVID-19.
Biden said, “Let’s get it straight,” during a June press conference in Switzerland. We know one another well. They are not long-standing friends. It is just business.
Before Monday’s virtual meeting, Jenn Psaki, the Press Secretary, clarified that Biden is not close to Xi but stated that their level of trust would permit them to have candid conversations’.
“Well…I can verify…he does not regard him as an ‘old buddy,’ so that is consistent,” Psaki stated before the meeting of world leaders.
At the summit of Monday’s virtual summit, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping (left), exchanged friendlyries with the cameras. Xi greeted Biden by calling him his ‘old buddy’, which was a surprise to US President Barack Obama who tried to shed the title for several months.
Members of the Cabinet, including Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, joined President Joe Biden (left) in a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd from left).
The Chinese leader originally used the expression ‘lao peng you,’ which connotes fondness and shows a level of familiarity and trust, following months of tension between the US and China.
Xi (68) said the phrase. It reflects a shared past that dates back to August 2011. Biden and Xi had hours of conversation and traveled through Sichuan province, when Xi was the First Secretary of the Communist Party, and Biden the Vice President of Obama’s.
Wang Huiyao (president of Center for China and Globalization) said that Xi’s use of this expression shows genuine goodwill.
Biden spoke on Monday evening during a virtual meeting and said that he has always communicated honestly and openly with Xi and that they never wander away from each other wondering what the others are thinking.
Former President Barack Obama’s top diplomat in Asia, Daniel Russel said that it was part and parcel of every leader’s search for the “narrative highground” at the opening.
Xi deliberately greeted Biden with the greeting’my dear friend’, despite Biden’s declaration this summer that they weren’t ‘friends. Russel stated that Biden smiled and reminded Xi of all the rules of the road, even China.
Shi Yinhong of Renmin University of China was a professor of international relationships and noted that Xi still used this term despite difficult circumstances.
When we call someone an “old friend”, we are referring to those who have been friends for years. Shi clarified that being an old friend doesn’t mean the person is still a friend.
Due to current diplomatic tensions Biden might not wish to be seen as too close a friend by US allies or his political enemies.
China and the United States differ over COVID-19’s origin, trade and concurrence rules, Beijing’s nuclear arsenal expansion, and their increased pressure on Taiwan among others.
Biden said he would address concerns, such as human rights in the Indo-Pacific area.
According to him, he would be open to an honest and candid discussion with the Chinese leader, which would ensure that there is a fair and direct competition between China and America.
Biden stated that ‘We must establish some common-sense safeguardrails’, and added, “especially when it comes to vital global issues such as climate change.”
A senior official in the administration said that the meeting took longer than anticipated. He spoke to reporters shortly after midnight. The meeting lasted approximately three hours and was broken up into two sessions.
According to the official, “The conversation was polite and straightforward and it was easy for everyone involved.” They didn’t stick to what was written.
Chinese officials stated in advance Taiwan would be the top topic for negotiations.
Tensions are increasing as China’s military dispatches more fighter jets close to Taiwan, an island Beijing regards as part of its territory.
Last week, Chinese military units held exercises close to Taiwan as a response to an American congressional delegation visiting the island.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian claimed Monday, “The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty and territory integrity as well as China’s core interest.” It is the most sensitive and important issue between China-U.S. relations.’
Biden reiterated that the U.S. will continue its long-standing U.S. “One China” policy. It recognizes Beijing and permits informal relations as well as defense ties to Taipei.
This statement reiterated the US’ long-standing policy of not recognising Taiwan’s independence, but allows for informal and defensive ties with Taipei.
The US official who requested anonymity said that there was an “extended discussion” about Taiwan during the summit.
At the height of Monday’s virtual meeting, President Joe Biden waved to Chinese President Xi Jinping
Antony Blinken Secretary of State, (left) listening as President Joe Biden meets Chinese President Xi Jinping virtually Monday night
Tensions about Taiwan, in particular are on the verge of becoming dangerously high.
China’s military activity near Taiwan has increased in recent years. In October, a record-breaking number of warplanes entered the island’s air defense area.
While the United States states affirms its support for Taiwan’s self defense, they are unsure if it would interfere to aid directly.
Xi spoke briefly to reporters about each country’s need to ‘run their domestic affairs.’ However, he didn’t mention US criticisms regarding Beijing’s saber-rattling in Taiwan, mass violations of human rights, or any other issues.
Beijing Olympics were not scheduled for next year.
There has been some opposition to the U.S. boycotting the Winter Olympic Games due to China’s abuses of human rights.
The senior official said that Biden spoke to Xi on human rights.
The official stated that the leaders of both countries have discussed many human rights topics over the years. “It is no secret that the two leaders have very different world views.
Biden spoke to Xi quite clearly and candidly about human rights. He also spent some time talking about Xinjiang and Tibet as well as more general human rights.
The official stated that they were not expecting any breakthroughs and there was no information to report.
According to the White House, they also discussed North Korea, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Biden also spoke out about U.S. China trade deals, and urged China to honor its first phase commitments.
A senior official in the administration wouldn’t confirm that Biden and Xi had discussed China’s hypersonic weapons. However, he suggested that the president wanted China to make more transparency as the world searches for answers regarding COVID-19’s origins.
According to the official, the president spoke about both the need for preventing pandemics in the future and how transparency is important when addressing global health problems.
Biden spoke to Xi at the top of the meeting and said that he had a responsibility for the entire world, as well as his people.
‘That’s why we believe – and you and I have talked about this – all countries have to play by the same rules of the road, why the United States is always going to stand up for our interests and values, and those of our allies and partners,’ Biden said. ”If past is prologue, I am sure that today we’ll be discussing those areas where we have concerns – on human rights, on economics, to ensuring a free and open Indo Pacific.’
Biden shared with Xi that he has ‘always communicated very honestly and candidly’.
Biden declared, “We do not walk away from knowing what the other is thinking,”
Biden expressed gratitude to Xi for his call and congratulation after he had won last year’s election, calling it’very gracious’.
Through a translator Xi stated to Biden that it was good to meet you, President Obama, and all your fellow colleagues.
Xi stated, “It’s our first meeting virtually. Although it’s not as effective as a face-to-face meeting, but I’m happy to see my old buddy.”
Xi declared that “Humanity is a global village and must face many challenges together.” The Chinese president offered that the U.S. and China need to improve communication and cooperate.
Both men met Monday night in Washington, but it is already Tuesday morning here in Beijing.
Jen Psaki, Jen’s press secretary stated that Biden entered Monday’s summit meeting with Xi on Monday from a position of strength due to the passage of the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill.
He signed the infrastructure bill today. The infrastructure bill, which was signed Monday at a press conference, is vital and significant for many reasons.
According to the press secretary, Biden is expected to enter the negotiations in good standing since he has spent 10 months strengthening relationships with U.S. allies.
She stated that both the president and national security team believe the president has arrived at this meeting in a strong position. Look at the situation nine months back. If you take a look at our strategy for China many months ago, it is clear that we discussed the need to rebuild our alliances, strengthen our relationships and coordinate with Europeans.
Psaki spoke of both the G20 summit in Rome, and the COP26 global climate conference.
Biden’s troubles also include dragged poll numbers, and the aftermath of his disaster pull-out in Afghanistan.
Monday’s virtual summit between China and Taiwan aims to diffuse tensions about Taiwan and other issues.
Both sides, however, have shown little interest in compromise.
Psaki indicated that China’s president would likely speak out in areas in which he believes China should take further action. However, he will also be expressing his opinion on the need to behave differently according to the international community and the rules of road.
Biden was inaugurated in January. The leaders spoke by telephone twice. However, Xi has refused to travel overseas because of the pandemic. An online meeting with Xi is all that’s left.
The buildup to the summit has been dominated by the dispute over Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its self-governing democracy. Biden’s aides see the summit as an opportunity for them to stop tensions from escalating.
According to a senior official in the administration, “We recognize that we are responsible leaders around the world and that communication is vital.” He also said that competition should not cause conflict.
“The president will also clarify that we desire to establish common guardrails to avoid any miscalculation or confusion.”
The White House tried to temper expectations by saying that this summit was not one where they expect to see deliverables.
Biden has been a longtime expert on foreign policy issues in his many decades of political service.
Xi has not been to China for almost two years and Biden strongly criticised his attendance at the recent COP 26 and G20 climate summits in Glasgow, respectively.
Donald Trump’s presidency saw relations between superpowers fall during his tenure. He launched a trade conflict with China and attacked Beijing for its handling of the pandemic.
Biden has broadened the definition of confrontation to include a fight between democracy and dictatorship.
Even though Trump’s day-to-day approach is less measured, Taiwan relations are worsening.
China’s military activity near Taiwan has increased in recent years. In October, a record-breaking number of warplanes entered the island’s air defense area.
While the United States claims it supports Taiwan’s self-defense, they are unsure if it would interfere to directly help. China is increasing its rhetoric and warning Washington not to get involved.
In a weekend meeting, Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister stated that any support or connivance for the Taiwan independence forces would undermine peace in Taiwan Strait. He also told Antony Blinken the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday urged Biden to enhance relations.
Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said that they hoped the U.S. would work in the same way as China and get along with one another.
Chinese media also highlighted Taiwan Monday as the flashpoint of current tensions between US and China.
In an editorial, the Global Times, a tabloid that is hawkish, stated that the United States should ‘take back’ from Taiwan.
A US official indicated however that Biden would not be shy about addressing China’s “coercive, provocative” behavior towards Taiwan.
Officials also stressed the possibility of cooperation between them in different areas like climate change.
This virtual meeting was held as Xi’s grip on power continues to grow.
The top Chinese Communist Party leaders passed a resolution last week that will help Xi consolidate his power and set in place his vision of China.
According to a Washington official, the resolution “further cemented” power in China’s hands.
According to the official, “We believe that this just underscores the significance of engagement at the leader level.”