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Olympics Boycott Risks Becoming the Next Big U.S.-China Battle

  • Diplomats in Beijing discuss how to approach 2022 Winter Games
  • China dismisses boycott, confident Games will be a success

Skiers on the course at the National Alpine Ski Center, a site for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, earlier in February.

Photographer: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images 

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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 as leading global brands came under attack for statements on human rights abuses in the 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.