On the other hand, Seiko Hashimoto, a politician and chairwoman of the organizing committee of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, as well as the president of the Japanese Olympic Committee, Yasuhiro Yamashita, will go to Beijing, said government spokesman Hirokazu Macuno.
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“Japan believes it is important for China to ensure freedom, respect for fundamental human rights and the rule of law, which are universal values recognized by the international community,” said Hirokazu Macuno. He added that Japan also addressed its reservations about China directly in negotiations at various levels.
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On December 16, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Chisida announced in parliament that he did not plan to go to the Beijing Olympics.
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In this context, Reuters mentioned that the issue of the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Olympics is very sensitive for Japan, given the alliance with the USA and economic ties with China. Japan is a close ally of Washington and shows that it is worried about the growing threat from China. On the other hand, China is a key manufacturing center for Japanese companies and a buyer of Japanese cars and other products.
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China has not commented on the move
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said at a regular press conference on Friday that China was looking forward to welcoming Olympic officials and athletes from Japan. Beijing also did not send a government delegation to the Tokyo Summer Olympics, but only a sports delegation, Reuters said.
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Athletes will compete in Beijing from February 4 to 20. China called the diplomatic boycott by the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia a “political pose.”
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