South Korea announced they will not take part in diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022

South Korean President Moon Jae-in announced Monday his country will not be participating in a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Olympics. He cited a need for China’s help in denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula as one of the main factors.

China applauded Moon’s stance and said it showed, “the spirit of friendship.”

During a trip to Australia Monday, Moon said his government would not consider a boycott, and has not received any requests from the United States or other countries to boycott the Beijing 2022 Games.

Australia has joined the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Lithuania in announcing they would not be sending any delegates or government officials to Beijing. All of the countries’ athletes are free to compete in Beijing.

“Clearly our relations with China have some conflicting and competing aspects,” Moon said in Canberra Monday. “China’s constructive efforts are required for the denuclearization of North Korea, and for the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

China, which has issued vague threats to all countries who have declared, or are planning to declare, a diplomatic boycott, appreciated the stance South Korea has taken, and their continued support of China hosting the Olympic Games.

During a press briefing in Beijing Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, “We are willing to work with the South Korean side to promote a political settlement of the peninsula issue, and make positive contributions to the long-term peace and stability of the region.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has shown little interest in negotiating with South Korea over nuclear weapons, and has not mentioned his country’s participation in Beijing 2022.