Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. (Photo: SCMP)

Referring to a US call to politically boycott the upcoming Winter Olympics, Zhao said the Games are a big event for athletes who are passionate about winter sports. China is wrapping up preparations for the Games, and will host a simple, safe, and exciting Winter Olyimpics, he added.

US and Japanese media quoted US President Joe Biden as announcing that US officials will not be participating in the Games.

Conservative members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Japan are now pressing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to also “diplomatically boycott” the Beijing Winter Olympics.