US announces diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics citing China's crimes against humanity

The US administration will diplomatically boycott the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing to protest Chinese human rights abuses, the White House confirmed on Monday. China has vowed to greet the US move with “firm countermeasures.”

Making the announcement, White House press secretary, Jen Psaki said, "The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, given the PRC's ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses."

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However, Psaki said that the US athletes will continue to compete and will 'have our full support'.

Upon being asked about barring US athletes from the Games altogether, Psaki said, "we believe US athletes, people who have been training, giving up a lot of blood, sweat and tears, preparing for these Olympics should be able to go and compete, and we look forward to cheering for them from home."

The Winter Olympics are slated to take place in February next year in Beijing.