Japan stated Friday that it would not send a senior government delegation to the Winter Olympics in Beijing next year but refused to term the decision a diplomatic boycott of the games.

What did the Japanese government say?

Japanese government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said, "no plans" for officials to attend the event.

"As Tokyo 2020 demonstrated to the world, the Olympics and the Paralympics are festivals of peace and sports that give courage to the world," Matsuno said in explaining the decision. "Japan believes it is important that common values shared by the international community such as freedom, human rights and the rule of law are respected in China."

At the same time, Matsuno did not describe the decision as a diplomatic boycott: "We don't use a particular term to describe how we attend."

Seiko Hashimoto, who directed the Organizing Committee for the Tokyo Games, and Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita will still attend the event in Beijing. Japanese Paralympic Committee chairman Kazuyuki Mori will also travel to China.

Which countries are boycotting the Games?

The US, UK, Canada, and Australia have already announced a diplomatic boycott of the games on human rights considerations, particularly Beijing's treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority and policy toward Hong Kong. Those countries will not send government delegations, but athletes will still attend.

Although Japan appreciates tight connections with the US, there are also practical reasons at play, as China is Tokyo's largest global economic partner.

China has criticized countries that boycott the games, saying they would "pay a price for their pay the price." Japan might be fearful of the economic ramifications of Beijing if it were to classify the decision as a boycott.

South Korea, another US partner in the Asia-Pacific area, has declined to participate in a boycott, with Seoul claiming China's "constructive efforts" are needed for denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula.

Germany has looked hesitant to abandon the event, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pushing for a uniform European reaction on the matter. Other countries refusing to join in the boycott include France and Russia.

The Winter Olympics in Beijing is expected to occur from February 4 to February 20 of next year. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic will affect the event, with unvaccinated international athletes forced to quarantine upon arrival.