Australia considering 'unofficial' boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

The Australian government may not send diplomats to the Winter Olympics in Beijing as it is considering an unofficial boycott in the wake of concerns over the welfare of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai.

Lawmakers from both the ruling Liberal-National coalition in Australia and opposition Labour party, have urged the Scott Morrison government to boycott the event being held in February next year, and the federal government is considering the request, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The demands for boycott come after Peng, former doubles world number one player, accused a top Chinese Communist Party official of sexually assaulting her. Days after that, she disappeared from public eye, triggering an international uproar.

So far, there has been no official confirmation on the status of Australia’s representation at the event. However, a spokesperson for the country’s sports ministry confirmed to Reuters that the matter is under discussion.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australia-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-b1964184.html