IOC chief Bach chides Beijing Olympics organisers over Taiwan, Xinjiang comments
- Bach says Bocog reminded to keep politics out of the Games and remain neutral
- Statement comes a day after Bocog spokeswoman responds to reporters’ questions about forced labour and sterilisations
“We were in touch with Bocog immediately after this press conference and then both organisations, Bocog and the IOC, have restated the unequivocal commitment to remain politically neutral, as it is required by the Olympic Charter.”
“The questions are based very much on lies. Some authorities have already disputed such false information with a lot of solid evidence.”
China vehemently denies all charges over its treatment of Uygurs and maintains the camps are vocational training centres aimed at reducing the appeal of Islamic extremism.
Yan was also bullish on the question of Taiwan. China claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory to be retaken one day, by force if necessary.
At all Olympic Games, athletes from Taiwan compete under the banner of “Chinese Taipei”.
“This is something that we really have to take a solemn position on,” said Yan, following a question about Taiwanese athletes at the Games and their attendance at Sunday’s closing ceremony.
“What I want to say is that there is only one China in the world.
“Taiwan is an indivisible part of China and this is a well-recognised international principle and well recognised in the international community.
“We are always against the idea of politicising the Olympic Games.”