Speaking on Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said a boycott was “something that we certainly wish to discuss” and that the US would coordinate with its “allies and partners” over any potential action for the winter sporting showpiece.
The State Department later appeared to backtrack on that stance, however, sending a statement to US media outlets which claimed: “Our position on the 2022 Olympics has not changed. We have not discussed and are not discussing any joint boycott with allies and partners.”
Nonetheless, China saw fit to warn Washington on Wednesday against “the politicization” of sport, vowing a firm response to any potential action.
“The politicization of sports will damage the spirit of the Olympic Charter and the interests of athletes from all countries,” said Chinese Foreign Policy spokesperson Zhao Lijian, AP reported.
“The international community including the US Olympic Committee will not accept it.”