Foreign
CHINESE President, Xi Jinping has called for inclusiveness, coexistence and mutual learning to advance human civilization.
Xi made the call at the inaugural banquet ceremony of the ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin, on Friday.
The event with the theme: “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia” embodies the shared aspiration and desire of the Asian people for peace, development and friendship.
Xi said, “The cauldron of the ninth Asian Winter Games will be lit tonight. From the Olympic Winter Games Beijing to the Asian Winter Games Harbin, the passion in China for ice and snow has swept across the nation.
“It has also invigorated winter sports globally. The current Asian Winter Games sets a new record in its history in the numbers of participating countries, regions and athletes.
“I believe with the joint efforts of the Olympic Council of Asia and delegations from all participating countries and regions, Harbin will present to the world a great sports event that is distinctly Chinese.
Also, uniquely Asian and spectacular, thus writing new magnificent chapter of ice and snow sports; we should uphold our shared dream for tranquility and harmony. Peace is as pure as ice and snow.
“No matter how the international landscape evolves, we should join hands together to meet all kinds of security challenges and contribute Asian strength to building an equal and orderly multipolar world.”
He emphasised the need for perseverance in the efforts to achieve human civilization, saying there is also the need for close working relations to drive economic growth globally.
“We should pursue our shared aspiration for prosperity and development. Winter sports are fascinating because they require passion and collaboration.
“We should work together to promote progress and development, and provide sustained drive for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.
“We should fulfill our shared desire for friendship and affinity. Every snowflake is unique and every civilization is distinctive. Asia is a convergence of the world’s diverse civilizations.
“We should promote inclusiveness, coexistence and mutual learning, and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilization,” he said.
He described Harbin, a renowned “Ice City,” as the birthplace of China’s modern winter sports, adding “we feel truly that ice and snow are as valuable as gold and silver.
“Also, the ice and snow culture, and economy are becoming new driving force for the high-quality development of Harbin and a new bond linking the city and the world.
“We welcome you to explore this hospitable, open and inclusive land of black soil, and to trace the path of Chinese modernisation.
“China has just entered the Year of the Snake. Among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom and agility. The Year of the Snake will surely brim with vigor and vitality.
“I wish all athletes excellent performance with the agility of the snake. May you all have beautiful and unforgettable memories of ice and snow in Harbin,” Xi added.
The ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin attracted not less than 1275 athletes from 34 countries, participating in 64 events across 11 sports.
The event billed from Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, is reportedly considered the largest edition, in terms of participating contingents. (NAN)
7th February, 2025.
C.E.
Tags: Xi Jinping
