A Beijing 2022 official has cautioned foreign athletes against speaking out during the upcoming Winter Olympics, warning that any behavior that crosses the Chinese regulations could potentially get them ejected out of the Games. “Any expression that is in line with the Olympic spirit I’m sure will be protected, and anything and any behavior or speeches that is against the Olympic spirit, especially against Chinese laws and regulations, are also subject to certain punishment,” said Yang Shu, deputy director-general of Beijing 2022’s International Relations Department. Many forms of speech are suppressed under highly-restrictive laws imposed by the Chinese Communist Party, making it a challenge for ordinary citizens to express themselves both online and offline. Dissidents, rights lawyers, citizen journalists, and petitioners who criticize the regime often face detention and prosecution under broadly-defined charges, such as “provoking trouble” and “inciting subversion.” Yang made the remarks during a Jan. 19 virtual briefing …