Sankei reported on growing speculation that the Biden administration is on the verge of announcing a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics in February, noting that the GOJ remains cautious about the idea even though some LDP politicians are demanding that the GOJ not send a high-ranking official unless the human rights situation there improves substantially. “No decision has been made on who will represent the Japanese government” at the international sporting event, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno told the press yesterday. “We expect that the Beijing Games will be convened as an event for peace in line with the Olympic Charter.” The daily said that while rumor has it that Japan Sports Agency Commissioner Murofushi will attend the opening ceremony, the GOJ is likely to decide who to send while taking into account other G7 partners’ moves.