Wellington: New Zealand, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that Australia would join the US in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing winter game for human rights concerns.
Morrison said it should not be surprising that Australian officials will boycott the event after the nation’s relationship with China has been destroyed in recent years.
“I did it because it was in Australia’s national interests,” Morrison said.
“That’s the right thing to do.” He said Australian athletes could still compete.
In addition to quoting human rights violations, Morrison said China has been very critical of Australia’s efforts to have strong defense forces in the region “especially in relation to, who recently, to find out the nuclear-powered submarine.” He said his government was very happy to talk to China about their differences.
“There are no obstacles to what happens on our side, but the Chinese government consistently does not accept opportunities for us to meet,” Morrison said.
The rights groups have pushed for full Boilcott of the match, accusing the supple of Chinese rights to ethnic minorities.
US and Australian decisions failed from the call but came at a very volatile time for international relations and had been fulfilled with a series of criticisms from China.
The Australian Olympic Committee said arrangements for 40 Australian athletes are expected to compete in the Olympics will not be influenced by Morrison’s announcement.
“Getting athletes to Beijing safely, compete safely and take him home safely remain our biggest challenge,” said Matt Carroll, chief executive committee.
“Our Australian athletes have been practicing and compete with this Olympic dream for four years now and we do all our power to ensure we can help them succeed,” Carroll said in a statement.