Foreign secretary David Miliband opposes Olympic boycott

Sunday, 24 February 2008 12:00 AM

Foreign secretary David Miliband has said he does not support an Olympic boycott despite calls from activists protesting against the Beijing Games.

Several high-profile figures including Steven Spielberg have already withdrawn their support for the 2008 Olympics in China over the country's role in Sudan, while Reporters Without Borders has highlighted the issue of civil rights.

But Mr Miliband, who is currently visiting China, said in his blog: "I do not support an Olympic boycott."

"I do support engagement with China on the need to work together internationally to nurture the potential gains of globalization," he added.

Mr Miliband will talk to foreign minister Yang Jiechi during the trip and said he wanted "to engage with Chinese hosts about China's role on the world stage."

One of the issues Mr Miliband said he was keen to talk to Chinese officials about was the country's vision for development in Africa.

China is the largest customer for Sudanese oil, and a major supplier of weapons to the government.

Hollywood director Steven Spielberg quit his role as adviser to the opening and closing ceremonies for the Games over China's policies in Sudan.

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