On February 7, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong sent a letter to Dominion Post on the report on Beijing Winter Olympics published on the newspaper of February 4, which contained misleading information on China’s policy for Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The full text of the letter is as follows:

Olympic Games is essentially about sports and athletes. It is also a valuable opportunity for the world to come together to celebrate humanity and global solidarity, and to demonstrate our resolve and resilience to tide over difficulties. This is particularly important as the international community is grappling with complex common challenges including COVID and climate change. 

Unfortunately, however, some have chosen to politicize the Olympics, which, instead of helping to rise above the differences, only serves to deepen the divisions in the world. This obviously runs counter to the spirit of the Olympic Movement, and harms the much needed efforts to build bridges both within and across borders. 

It is even more regrettable that the mudslinging involved has been largely based on wrong or fake information, including  unscrupulous and groundless allegations of “genocide” or “forced labor” in Xinjiang, which could not be further from the truth. We hope that Kiwi friends will keep their eyes and minds open to the realities on the ground in Xinjiang, and come to their own independent conclusions on their merits.

The Beijing Winter Olympic Games has opened with a spectacular ceremony. Let us now focus on enjoying the Games and support the athletes from across the world, including those from New Zealand and China, in having their dreams come true.