Over the past month, diplomats in Beijing have been talking more about the pros and cons of boycotting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing — particularly after leading global brands came under attack for statements on human rights abuses in China's far west region of Xinjiang.
While most doubted there would be an outright boycott, they noted that a lot can change before the opening ceremony 10 months from now. The diplomats, who asked not to be named, also raised the possibility that top dignitaries would stay away from Beijing even while athletes compete and sponsors take part.
Either way, the diplomats agreed on one thing: No country wants to be the first to call for a boycott.