China will host the 2022 Winter Olympics and the world is unhappy. Why? (Image via ABC News)

China, IOC deal on vaccinations for Beijing athletes

China decided to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On Thursday, China offered IOC to pay for the vaccination for its athletes. The decision came as the criticism toward the Middle Kingdom continues as it will host the 2022 Winter Olympics in February next year. 

Reportedly, IOC partnered with the Chinese Olympic Committee to provide vaccines for the athletes, going to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo upcoming July, and the upcoming Games in Beijing. The President of IOC, Thomas Bach, thanked the Chinese Olympic Committee for the offer, saying that it shows the true spirit of solidarity. Moreover, Bach stated that IOC was ready to pay extra doses allotted for the Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

The deal with IOC is integral for China as its status as host of the 2022 Winter Olympics received strident criticisms. The activists branded the Winter Games as a "Genocide Games" as their attention focuses on the Uyghur people's misery in China's prison camps. Moreover, they also seize the opportunity to call out China about Hong Kong and Tibet. Previously, the U.S Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, claimed that an ethnocide is happening in Xinjiang province.

The 45-minute of Thursday's virtual meeting to update on Beijing's readiness in hosting the 2022 Winter Games only gave Beijing the exchange of a flowery word. The IOC and Bach himself tried to avoid questions on China's human rights record and stated that the IOC only concentrates on matters regarding the Games.

Bach assured that the agreement with China would mean a safe and sound Summer Olympics and a demonstration of solidarity. Bashing the concerns that athletes will be prioritized, Bach stated that extra doses will be given for the general public partaking in the program.

Source: https://bit.ly/3vagrNY