For two weeks or more, China’s position on issues related to its politics and politics has been clear: These are the Olympics, and we are not talking about these matters here.
That changed on Thursday, the organizing committee’s last regular daily press conference in Beijing, three days before the games end. The constant and polite refusal to answer such questions gave way to the usual behavior of Chinese officials at press conferences – emphatic, calculated responses to the country’s most sensitive affairs.
Taiwan? An integral part of China. Uyghur population in Xinjiang province? They are not forced into forced labor. Sovereignty of China? Absolutely indisputable by international standards.
“What I want to say is that there is only one China in the world.” That’s it, said Jean Jiarong, a spokesman for the organizing committee ‘Dangerous and honest position’ called to China. Allegations of treatment of Chinese Uyghurs and living conditions in northwest Xinjiang are based on lies.
China did not want politics but wanted to defend its position
It was only a matter of time before these themes appeared. Preparations for the Games, which centered on China’s human rights record, were overshadowed by the US-led diplomatic boycott; China was determined to continue to focus solely on sports, but at the same time it was very committed to vigorously defending its position in public.
In the last regular daily briefing before the Olympics closed on Sunday, the IOC and Mark Adams, an IOC spokesman, were exposed to questions about the safety of Taiwan, Xinjiang and Chinese tennis player Peng Swag.
Asked about Taiwan’s alleged attempt to skip the opening ceremony, Jean asked for more time to discuss the situation on the island, which has an independent government and which China considers its territory.
This is life inside the Winter Olympic Bubble
Under very strict epidemiological rules, the Beijing Winter Olympics will be held on February 4 in an artificially closed system. The athletes, coaches, attendees and journalists in the bubble are checked every day and have absolutely no contact with the outside world.
He switched from English to Chinese
Often open in English, but switched to Chinese to make key points; It was translated into English by an interpreter.
Mark, can I make some additional comments? Jan asked in English. Then switch to Chinese. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and it is a well-known international principle recognized by the international community. We are always against the idea of politicizing the Olympics.”
A non-Chinese reporter asked Adams about this and suggested that Yan himself politicized it Games by raising China’s standing in Taiwan. Adams avoided the question.
“There are many different opinions around the world, but our job is to preserve the Olympic Games.” – Tell.
embarrassed schoolgirl
A volunteer at the Games, a Chinese student about to graduate, received a question he wasn’t expecting when a reporter asked him if he knew the Chinese tennis player, Ping Swag, and if he thought he was safe.
Ping, once the world’s best doubles player, accused a former senior politician of sexual harassment three months ago. Peng’s comments were immediately deleted from the censored Chinese internet.
“ok, I’m sorry The young woman replied. – I really don’t know.”
The issue of forced labor is not relevant
A reporter directly asked Adams about the position of the International Olympic Committee in Xinjiang “Concentration Camps” China’s use of forced labor there. Adams suggested that the question “irrelevant” In media terms, he then praised the power of the Olympics in uniting peoples.
Once again, Jean was keen to hear China’s views.
I think these questions are largely based on lies – Tell. – Some authorities have already opposed this false information. There is a lot of strong evidence. We would very much like you to point out this evidence and facts.”
Jan gave a similar answer when a reporter asked Adams if the IOC’s uniforms and other clothing were made by Uyghurs — or if they were made of Xinjiang cotton.
“None of the production has continued in Xinjiang, and no raw materials come from this region.” Adams said.
January added: I think the so-called forced labor in Xinjiang is a lie deliberately invented by certain groups. Competent organizations have provided a wealth of facts to discredit this. We are against the politicization of sports.”
Olympic Charter Vs. Japanese reporter
For the second day in a row, journalists are asking for details about the allegations of a Japanese reporter, saying that an employee of the organizing committee prevented him from asking questions to a skaters in Hong Kong.
China is actively cracking down on pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong.
The Olympic Charter guarantees athletes the right to express their opinions in on-site interviews. Jean continues to maintain the organizers of Beijing “Protecting freedom of expression for all participants”.
Made with AP Reports.
