The United States has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games that China will host in February.
The move was not a surprise, as President Joe Biden had been weighing the decision for months. Several other governments quickly joined the U.S., saying that they will not be sending diplomats, either. China angrily denounced the boycotts.
The U.S. is right to withhold diplomatic support for this event. The presence of athletes is another matter; they should participate. Denying them the chance to compete would unfairly punish them. The Chinese government’s behavior has crossed important lines, however, and it should not be rewarded with the presence of foreign dignitaries at an event that Beijing will use to celebrate its status and accomplishments.