ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602140073
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BEIJING
SOURCE: Associated Press
A Chinese spokesman said Tuesday the country plans to take part in the Atlanta Olympics, despite reports it was considering a boycott over the attendance of Taiwanese leaders.
``So far, I have seen no circumstances that would lead to China's abstention from this grand sporting event,'' said Shen Guofang, a foreign ministry spokesman. ``For the Chinese athletes it will also be an important opportunity and we are willing to take part in the Olympics.''
Wu Shaozu, head of China's State Physical Culture and Sports Commission, reportedly hinted last week that China would stay away from the Olympics if Taiwanese leaders attended.
China claims Taiwan as a province and has been locked in a tense struggle to force the island's government into submitting to Beijing's sovereignty. Taiwan is ruled by the Nationalist Party, which turned the island into a fortress after losing a civil war to the communists in 1949.
Dick Pound, an executive board member of the International Olympic Committee, said Taiwanese officials would not be invited.
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