After the US, Australia also decides for diplomatic boycott of China's Winter Olympics

Morrison told reporters that this is not surprising, considering the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Australia and China, which officials will not participate in next year's games.

“However, Australian athletes will participate. The vast Australian sports nation and I share sports issues and these other political issues”, the Australian prime minister said.

He added that he would like to see long-standing tensions between Australia and China, but that his government does not intend to withdraw from the strong position it has maintained for the country's interest.

Confirming the diplomatic boycott, Morrison raised the issue of human rights abuse in Xinjiang, China. He said the Chinese government has not become accessible to talk about Australia's human rights concerns.

The China Embassy in Australia accused Australian politicians of political positions and suggested that alike in response to the United States' boycott of diplomatic representatives was not necessarily the same as it would be invited.