China Slams US Over Possible Olympics Boycott

China on Monday threatened to take “firm countermeasures” if the United States proceeds with a diplomatic boycott of February’s Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accused US politicians of grandstanding over the issue of not sending dignitaries to attend the events that China hopes will showcase its economic development and technological prowess.

Speaking to reporters at a daily briefing, Zhao said such a move would be an “outright political provocation,” but gave no details on how China would retaliate.

US President Joe Biden has said he is considering a boycott, under which American athletes would still compete, and an announcement is expected this week.

“Without being invited, American politicians keep hyping the so-called diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which is purely wishful thinking and grandstanding," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

“If the US side is bent on going its own way, China will take firm countermeasures," Zhao said. (AP)