United Nations chief to attend Beijing Winter Olympics

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will attend the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, his spokesman said on Thursday.

"The secretary-general received an invitation from the International Olympic Committee to attend the opening of the Beijing Winter Games and he has accepted it," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"Welcome UN SG Antonio Guterres to attend the Beijing 2020 Winter Olympics. Beijing 2022 enjoys widest support and worldwide anticipation. All preparations are underway in order," China's permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, said on Twitter on Thursday. "We are fully confident to deliver a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games."

The UN General Assembly on Dec 2 adopted the Beijing Winter Olympic Truce Resolution drafted by China and co-sponsored by 173 member states.

The consensus adoption of the Beijing Winter Olympic Truce Resolution shows the international community's confidence in China successfully hosting the Winter Games, demonstrates the expectation of all parties working together to showcase a high-level Winter Olympics Games, and illustrates the determination and pursuit of people from all countries to jointly build a peaceful and beautiful world, Zhang said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Friday that the Beijing Winter Olympics are major events for global winter sports athletes and lovers.

"We welcome athletes from all countries and related people to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. We are willing to practice the Olympic spirit of 'together' with all parties and make new contribution for promoting the Olympic cause," he told reporters at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

Mo Jingxi contributed to this story.