Merkel joins Poland and Czech Republic leaders who will not attend the opening ceremonies. These leaders are all people who grew up under Soviet domination so they all have first hand experience with a bully regime maintaining power over another country. Will this tip the balance for other EU leaders to boycott? The more important question is whether China will stick to its old ways or join the modern world in terms of both business and respect for human rights. They can do as they like but it’s their choice. It is also everyone else’s choice not condone China’s actions.