The Netherlands will not send a government delegation to the Winter Olympics in China next month. Foreign Affairs said the reason for the decision was that Dutch fans were not allowed to attend.
King Willem-Alexander previously announced that he would not travel to Beijing for the same reason. According to the authorities, the stay of the king and the political delegation at home has nothing to do with the diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games by a number of countries.
The diplomatic delegation decided to stay at its home today in the Council of Ministers. It is also important to consider that due to the epidemic, there is hardly any opportunity to consult with the Chinese authorities. A ministry spokesman said Dutch diplomats would always discuss in such talks the main concerns about the human rights situation in China.
boycott
The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, among others, will not send a political delegation to the Beijing Winter Games. Athletes from these countries are present at sporting events. According to this group of countries, the aim of the boycott is to send a strong signal against human rights abuses in the Chinese province of Xinjiang.
The Chinese government describes the boycott as a smear campaign. Beijing has long vehemently denied that the Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang have been subjected to repression.
Denmark
Shortly after the Dutch decision was announced, Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said Denmark would not send an official diplomatic delegation to the Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights issues in the host country.
“It is no secret that Denmark is very concerned about the human rights situation in China,” Kofod said. “The government has decided not to send an official delegation to the Winter Olympics in China.”
