Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday said no officials will be sent to February’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, joining the US in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China.

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Canberra disagrees with China over a few issues that have plunged relations into the most serious crisis since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. It has pointed out China as a security threat amid allegations that Beijing has interfered in Australian politics and society and raised concerns over two imprisoned Australians in China.

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Later, after the announcement of Australia’s decision to follow the United States in a diplomatic boycott, the Chinese embassy reacted saying accountability lies with the Australian side to fix the “current predicament” in ties between the two countries. Also, observing Australia’s success at the Winter Olympics, a Chinese embassy spokesperson said, “Mountains cannot stop the river from flowing into the sea,” adding, “We wish the Australian athletes’ excellent performance at the Winter Olympics and believe they will also witness a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympics in China.”

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has added that there will not be any impact on athletes’ preparations for the Winter Games and is keen to ensure their safety. 

Morrison announced that the decision was taken in response to “human rights abuses” in China’s Xinjiang province and “many other issues that Australia has consistently raised,” adding it was “no surprise” that Australia had joined the boycott.

Later On Tuesday, at a press meet Zhao Lijian, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, complained that the US is violating “political neutrality in sport” and added that the boycott was “based on rumors”.

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Canada and Japan are among other countries that are considering a boycott of the Games. There is official word from New Zealand that it will not send officials due to Covid concerns.