In a New York Times opinion piece, Utah Senator Mitt Romney urged for an “economic, diplomatic boycott” of the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. Romney said that as the games approach, it is becoming increasingly clear that China “does not deserve an Olympic showcase” because of how the country “suppressed peaceful demonstrators and incarcerated respected journalists.”
He said not allowing American athletes to compete is the wrong answer to addressing China’s human rights issues, adding that it would be unfair for American athletes to “shoulder the burden of our disapproval” by asking them not to compete. Instead, he said American spectators — besides families of American athletes and coaches — should stay at home rather than contribute to the revenues that China will raise from hotels, tickets, meals, etc.
In addition, Romney suggested American companies that normally send groups of customers and associates to the Olympic Games, should instead gather at U.S venues to watch the Games.
