China has received visa applications for US officials for the Beijing Olympics, even though Washington declared a diplomatic boycott of the sporting showpiece
Beijing has received visa applications from more than a dozen US officials for the Winter Olympics, according to a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Three weeks ago, Washington announced a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming spectacle which kicks off in Bejing on February 4.
This was supported by Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.
READ MORE: What you need to know about the Beijing Winter Olympics boycotts
And while it was stressed that American athletes would still take part in the competition, it would appear that not all US officials will be staying home.
“We have received an application from the American side for visas for US officials,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a briefing on Monday.
“In response to this application regarding the United States government delegation, we will act in accordance with international rules [and on the basis of] reciprocity.”