I usually try and start with something other than the boycott news, but there’s been a marked change in the conversation this week – namely that the counter narrative from Beijing has begun. Global Times editor Hu Xijin tested the waters a week ago, with the threat that foreign countries would be punished if they boycotted the Games. He’s no longer the sole voice, with plenty of opportunities for interviews provided by the ongoing Two Sessions, China’s most important annual political meetings – the NPC and CPPCC.

Weekly Roundup

• Counter attacks from Beijing
• Boycott threats from around the world
• Paralympics 1 year to go
• Chengdu Olympic hopes dashed
• Other features and stories in the build-up to 2022