China Silent on North Korea Request for Olympic Aid
China has not responded to a request from North Korea for $500 million in aid so it can be a co-host for the 1988 Olympic Games, according to a report Friday.
The Korea Times reported that North Korea asked China for aid to construct athletic facilities in Pyongyang for the Olympics. Chinese officials had avoided giving a direct response, the report said.
The Games are to be held in Seoul, but North Korea is demanding the right to be a co-host even though the two nations are bitter enemies.
The report, which cited reliable Western diplomatic sources, said China plans to participate in the Seoul Olympics and did not want to disrupt the Games.
South Korea and the International Olympic Committee have rejected the North Korean bid to be a co-host. Olympic officials have said North Korea could hold 5 of the Game’s 24 events if it drops the demand and participates in the Seoul Games.
North Korea reportedly has told its people that the Games will be held in Pyongyang and large athletic facilites are under construction in the city.
China and the Soviet Union, the main allies of North Korea, are expected to take part in the Seoul Olympics, according to Olympic officials.
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