17-member delegation representing Chinese Taipei register for Beijing Games

A delegation of 17, including five athletes, will represent Chinese Taipei to participate in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games that will open on Feb 4, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.

Four athletes will compete in speed skating, Alpine skiing and luge, while the fifth is on a reserve waiting list, the office said.

"I hope athletes from both sides of the Taiwan Straits will embody the Olympic spirit, work hard and create great achievements together," said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the office.

Five people from Taiwan will participate in the torch relay for the Beijing Games, scheduled from Feb 2 to 4, to share in one of the most solemn and beautiful moments of the event.

More than 30 Taiwan students studying in universities in Beijing are volunteering during the Games, she said.

Taiwan compatriots elsewhere are also welcoming the event in various ways, Zhu said, adding that mainland and Taiwan musicians are working together to compose songs with Winter Olympics themes.

Taiwan young people and students on the mainland can experience winter sports through many activities, Zhu said, adding that they were excited and said they hoped to share the experience with more compatriots on the island.