China’s Response to Doping Allegations in Sports

In past years, when athletes from China have faced doping accusations, the government typically utilized its propaganda apparatus, including state-owned newspapers, television commentators, and social media accounts, to defend the athletes and deflect criticism of China’s sports system.

This time, in response to the revelation that 23 elite Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned substance before competing in the 2021 Olympic Games, China has chosen a different approach: virtual silence.

While the issue has sparked debate internationally, including in Congress, Chinese domestic media coverage has been limited to a few official statements. Online discussions have been closely monitored and restricted by censors, displaying a level of censorship that experts note is uncommon outside of highly sensitive topics.

Experts suggest that this change in approach highlights the significance of the situation for China just weeks before the Olympic Games in Paris. Eleven of the 23 swimmers who tested positive in 2021 have been selected to represent China in Paris, amplifying the stakes.

Swimming holds considerable importance in China, with Beijing making substantial investments over the years to elevate the country into an Olympic powerhouse. China has refuted allegations of misconduct and has historically aimed to reform its sports sector, intensifying testing procedures following doping scandals in the 1990s and early 2000s.

This predicament is particularly delicate for China, where sports play a crucial role in enhancing the image of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. The virtually non-existent media coverage of the issue within China marks a departure from past incidents involving doping allegations against Chinese athletes, indicating a notable shift in strategy.