China has called for the depoliticization of sports following the release of a new anti-doping report. At a press conference on Friday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, stressed that sports issues should remain free from political interference.
The statement comes after an independent prosecutor released a report on Thursday concluding that there was no bias against China by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in handling food contamination cases involving 23 Chinese swimmers in 2021. The cases had drawn international attention as Chinese and U.S. anti-doping agencies exchanged accusations over the matter.
“China has always strictly adhered to the World Anti-Doping Code and maintains a zero-tolerance attitude towards doping,” Mao Ning stated. “Athletes from all countries should be treated equally. The environment for fair competition should be effectively safeguarded.”
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in international sports, where doping allegations can escalate into diplomatic disputes. China’s call for fairness and equality in the treatment of athletes underscores the importance of impartiality in maintaining the integrity of global sports competitions.
Reference(s):
Sports should not be politicized, says China on new anti-doping report
cgtn.com
