Quick links: United States | Major Indices | Indices Future | Real-time Commodities | Webinars | Coronavirus | Economic Calendar
World
4 Feb 2022
Winter Olympics Kicks Off in China in the Midst of Boycotts and COVID-19
The Index Today
The 2022 Winter Olympics kicks off today in China as Beijing makes history as the only city in the world to host both the Summer and the Winter Olympics. However, this year’s Olympics season looks markedly different from the previous ones, marred by the growing threat of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as international tensions continue to brew.
In order to ensure a safe and seamless experience, China has barred the public from attending the events, while also strictly confining athletes and other officials to separate “bubbles” in order to control and prevent any possible spreading of the virus.
However, several prominent countries have recently announced their boycott of this year’s Olympics in response to China’s rising human rights issues. The U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. are in a diplomatic boycott of the Games. Russia, however, has extended its support with the arrival of President Vladimir Putin in China on Friday for the Olympics.
