Nov 18, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Biden: U.S. "considering" diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics

President Joe Biden.

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The United States is "considering" a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, President Biden told reporters on Thursday.

Why it matters: The president's remarks come amid a broader discussion of China's role as the host the Winter Games because of its record on human rights abuses.

  • The move would mean that a delegation of high-ranking U.S. officials would not attend the opening of the Winter Olympics, Reuters noted.
  • Nearly half of Americans are against China hosting the Games, according to an Axios/Momentive poll.

What they're saying: It's "something we're considering," Biden said ahead of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

  • "There are a range of factors where we look at what our presence will be," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at a briefing.
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