November 24

China's Foreign Ministry has disclosed that arrangements are underway for Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February.

Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping invited "his good friend Putin" to the ceremony, and Putin has "gladly accepted the invitation."

Zhao mentioned that Xi was invited to the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Games in Russia, adding that the two countries are in close communication on Putin's trip.

A Russian presidential spokesperson disclosed last Friday that Putin had received an invitation.

The spokesperson said Russia and China will jointly make an announcement once details of the visit have been decided.

The announcement came after US President Joe Biden said his administration is considering a diplomatic boycott of the Olympics over China's human rights situation.

A diplomatic boycott would mean that no US government officials are sent to the Games.

NHK