China has sent a statement to the world in response to diplomatic boycotts of the Winter Olympics – by selecting a Uyghur athlete as torch-bearer in the opening ceremony.
Skier Dinigeer Yilamujiang, who has been identified as being from the Uyghur community by state media, lit the Olympic Flame during the opening ceremony in Beijing with another torch-bearer.
This comes after Britain, the US, Australia, and other countries announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics over human rights abuses against the Uyghur people and other ethnic minorities.
A tribunal in December found China guilty of genocide against the Uyghur people and other minorities, as well as being responsible for crimes against humanity, including torture and enslavement.
The choice of torch-bearer is being seen by many as a political statement in response to the boycotts.
Here are some other highlights from the opening ceremony
Dancers performed before the Olympics opening ceremony kicked off at the Beijing National Stadium
Dancers waving pom-poms also took part in the pre-show entertainment
Hundreds of performers carried colour-changing rods during the opening light spectacle
A light show representing spring was displayed
Performers dressed up as brightly-lit hockey players
The Chinese flag was carried by two lines of people to represent various ethnic groups
The Beijing National Stadium, also called the Bird’s Nest, was kept below full capacity
Dave Ryding and Eve Muirhead lead Great Britain in the Parade of Nations
Bing Dwen Dwen, the cheerful panda mascot
The Chinese flag was raised during the opening ceremony
Chinese President Xi Jinping waved to the crowds
Chinese New Year was also celebrated
Giant screens broadcasted the opening ceremony to a site in Beijing for those who could not attend
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