China says it has not invited UK ministers or officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics in February after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Parliament they would not be attending.

Responding to a question, Johnson had said there would be an "effective boycott" while insisting that UK policy was not to implement boycotts of sports events.

"There will be effectively a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, no ministers are expected to attend and no officials," Johnson said earlier today, adding, "I do not think that sporting boycotts are sensible and that remains the policy of the government."

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In response, China's embassy in London issued a statement. In addition to pointing out the apparent contradiction in the UK's position, the statement condemned the "politicization" of sport as against the Olympic spirit and accused Britain of a "smearing campaign."

The Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh also released a statement after the Sports Minister of Scotland Maree Todd said the Scottish side was not sending any officials to the Games.

"The Scottish side's approach to politicize the Games would only go against the enthusiastic expectations of sports lovers and will find no support," the statement said. 

The U.S. and Australia have both said they will not send government delegations to Beijing to protest alleged human rights abuses by China. China denies the accusations and has indicated it will take retaliatory measures as a result of the "lies and rumors" behind the action.

No country has suggested withdrawing athletes from the Winter Olympic Games, which will begin on February 4.