Dec 25 (NHK) - Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has declined to characterize the decision not to send a government delegation to the Beijing Winter Games as a "diplomatic boycott".
Kishida told reporters on Friday that his government is not thinking of using specific terms regarding the issue of attendance for the Games.
He said he made the decision to stay away after comprehensively considering various factors, including China's human rights situation.
The prime minister said Japan considers it important for China to guarantee universal values -- freedom, respect for basic human rights, and the rule of law. He said Japan is conveying this position directly to the Chinese side at various levels.
Kishida said he strongly believes that the Olympics and Paralympics are festivals of peace and sport that give courage to people across the world. He said he considered all these factors in making his own decision on the Japanese government's response.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian welcomed the participation of Japanese athletes, Olympic and Paralympic officials to the Beijing Games.
Zhao also said China hopes Japan will follow through on its promise to mutually support the Olympics in Tokyo and Beijing, and not to politicize sports. Tokyo hosted the Summer Games this year.
