The pandemic situation in Switzerland and the health restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities to contain the spread of the coronavirus made substantive bilateral meetings and contacts with athletes impossible, the government saidExternal link.
It added that the cabinet members would instead “cheer on the Swiss athletes from home”.
The Games are due to take place from February 4-13, and nearly 170 Swiss athletes are expected to participate.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, reverses an initial statement by the government two weeks ago.
The government spokesperson said the move was not politically motivated.
Rights organisations and left-wing parliamentarians have called on the Swiss government to follow other western countries in boycotting the Games over China’s treatment of ethnic minorities and democracy activists.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss to send official representative to Beijing Olympics
This content was published on
The pandemic, and not the international calls for a boycott, would be the only thing stopping a Swiss presence at the official opening.
Pressure builds for a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Games
This content was published on
Switzerland will struggle to defy calls to skip the Winter Olympics, if other democratic states decide to stage a diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.