Beijing Olympics, Australia confirms diplomatic boycott

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed, in the wake of US announcements, the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The decision, he said, “comes as no surprise.” The premier cited the numerous conflicts between Beijing and Canberra as the reason for the boycott, as well as “human rights abuses” in Xinjiang and many other issues. However, Morrison confirmed that, like US athletes, Australian athletes will also take part in the Games.