Political Lens

China, IOC expect to strengthen cooperation

China and the International Olympic Committee expressed hopes to strengthen cooperation to keep promoting the Olympic spirit, as President Xi Jinping's special representative, Vice-President Han Zheng, met with IOC President Thomas Bach in Paris, France, on Saturday.

Han conveyed Xi's greetings to Bach, saying that China extends warm congratulations on the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, which was splendid and successful.

The purpose of the Olympic Movement is to maintain world peace and promote solidarity and progress, Han said. Given the current international situation, it is ever more necessary to carry forward the Olympic spirit, he said, adding that this year's Olympic Games hold special significance.

China, which will host the Asian Winter Games in 2025, hopes to expand its high-level and friendly cooperation with the IOC, Han said.

Bach asked Han to convey his greetings to Xi, and said he warmly welcomed Han's attendance at the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony as Xi's special representative.

Multilateralism is the fundamental belief of the international Olympic cause, Bach said, adding that the IOC hopes to continue its close cooperation with China in holding various international sporting events.

China Daily