France announces no diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics On the microphone of BFMTV and RMC, National Education, Youth and Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanker. France “It will not“, He confirmed.

The decision comes after the United States, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada announced that none of their government officials would attend.

The minister explained that France has two positions towards Beijing. In the question of China, “France is vague. We have condemned minority persecution and human rights abuses like Uyghur. I have expressed my concern about the fate of tennis player Peng Shuai. I still express it. We need to be clear and firm. We do not accept that.” But the issue of diplomatic boycott of the Olympic Games is a “Another story”, He continued.

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“We must be careful about the relationship between sports and politics. Sports must be protected as much as possible from political interference. Otherwise, it can go in any direction and we will destroy all competition.” Jean-Michael justified Blanker. The minister made it clear that he would not go to Beijing but that his sports minister, Roxana Marasini, would go there as well as Sophie Cluesall. “The Paralympic Games will go to the crown, but we have politically clear messages” He concluded.