China Will Hold a ‘Safe, Simple, Splendid’ Olympics, Xi Vows

  • Winter Games face headwinds from Xinjiang controversy, virus
  • Diplomats in Beijing have debated whether to boycott the event
An image of a cross country skier on the wall of a construction site near the headquarters of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games organising committee in Beijing on April 12.Photographer: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
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Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to hold a successful Winter Olympics next year in Beijing, responding to challenges the event faces from the coronavirus pandemic and international criticism over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

“With the active support and participation of all parties, we’re confident about overcoming the impact of the pandemic and hosting a simple, safe and splendid Olympics,” Xi told a gathering of ambassadors in Beijing that was covered by state television Wednesday evening.