China Confirms It Will Attend Games at Seoul, Despite North Korea’s Appeal

China said Thursday it will attend the Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, ignoring North Korea’s appeal for a Communist boycott unless it is allowed to co-host the event.

“We received China’s official confirmation by mail at 11 a.m. (Thursday),” International Olympic Committee spokeswoman Michele Verdier said.

The Soviet Union earlier this week joined Eastern Bloc countries in confirming it will compete in the Games that begin Sept. 17.

The only major sports power yet to respond is Cuba, which has publicly supported North Korea’s proposals. The Cubans are scheduled to stage the 1991 Pan American Games and could have the event taken from them should they boycott Seoul.

North Korea said is the only nation that has indicated it would boycott unless it is given a greater role and recognized as a co-host.