Paris, France — China is poised to deepen and expand high-level cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as it prepares to host the Asian Winter Games next year, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng announced during a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach on Saturday.
Han Zheng, serving as the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, conveyed President Xi’s cordial greetings to Bach and extended congratulations on the successful opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“The Olympic Movement aims to safeguard world peace and promote the unity of humankind,” Han remarked, emphasizing the significance of the Paris Olympics in fostering Olympism amidst the current international climate. He noted that under today’s complex global circumstances, promoting the values of the Olympic Movement is more important than ever.
Han highlighted China’s longstanding commitment to the international Olympic Movement and its robust relationship with the IOC. “China has always firmly supported the development of the international Olympic Movement and has maintained a long-term good relationship with the IOC,” he stated.
In response, Thomas Bach asked Han to convey his sincere regards to President Xi and warmly welcomed Han’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics as Xi’s special representative. Bach acknowledged the foundational role of multilateralism in the cause of international Olympics.
“China has always supported the cause of international Olympics,” Bach affirmed, adding that the success of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic set a global example for hosting Olympic Games. “The IOC is willing to continue cooperating closely with China to successfully organize various international sports events and spread the values of Olympism,” he said.
The meeting between Han and Bach underscores the strengthening ties between China and the IOC, as both parties look forward to upcoming international sporting events, including the Asian Winter Games hosted by China next year.
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China willing to deepen high-level cooperation with IOC, says VP
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