Pelosi warns US Olympians not to speak out against Chinese abuses while in Beijing by Jerry Dunleavy, Justice Department Reporter
February 03, 2022 03:30 PM
Nancy Pelosi urged U.S. Olympic athletes not to speak out against the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights abuses while in Beijing, saying the athletes shouldn’t risk “incurring the anger” of the “ruthless” CCP.
The House speaker made the comments during a Thursday testimony before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, in which she condemned the Chinese government, criticized the International Olympic Committee for making China the host country, and touted the Biden administration’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games.
“Make no mistake — our athletes should participate,” Pelosi said. “They’ve trained, they’re disciplined, they’ve dreamed, they’ve aspired, they’ve worked hard. But this year we must celebrate them from home as they compete in China.”
But Pelosi also indicated that she believes U.S. athletes should keep quiet in China to avoid the Chinese government’s wrath.
“I would say to our athletes: You’re there to compete. Do not risk incurring the anger of the Chinese government because they are ruthless,” Pelosi said. “I know there is a temptation on the part of some to speak out while they are there. I respect that, but I also worry about what the Chinese government might do to their reputations and to their families.” ...
Washington Examiner