Politicizing sports is wrong, violates the spirit of the Olympic Charter, and harms the cause of international human rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday.

File photo: CFP

Wang made the remark after several organizations have linked the so-called human rights issue to the Beijing Winter Olympics, attempting to put pressure on China. 

Wang said that China’s human rights situation had been constantly improving and made remarkable achievements. At the recent UN Human Rights Council, most countries appreciated and supported China’s position on Xinjiang and Tibet related issues. 

Wang disapproved of the growing attention to China’s human rights situation and disputed some organizations’ proposal for the International Olympic Committee to reconsider Beijing’s qualification to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics, slandering China over its “deteriorating” human rights situation.

September 22 coincides with the 500-day milestone to the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Hosting such an event would be another important contribution by China to the international Olympic movement, and Winter Olympic sports enthusiasts from all over the world are looking forward to participating, said the spokesperson.

At present, preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games are going smoothly, and China’s efforts have been highly recognized by the international community, including the International Olympic Committee. China is willing to work with all parties and the Beijing Winter Olympic Games will be a wonderful, extraordinary and outstanding world-class sports event, Wang added.

(Compiled by Li Yiran)