Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 22, 2023. [Xinhua/Liu Bin]

HANGZHOU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province.

In the face of severe challenges brought by the unprecedented changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, the IOC has stayed true to its original aspirations and played a unique role in safeguarding the world peace and development and promoting unity and progress of the humankind, Xi said.

China has always attached great importance to the development of sports, and actively participated in international Olympic affairs, Xi said.

"China will work with the IOC to uphold the principle of non-politicization of sports, make full use of the legacy of the Beijing Winter Olympics, and make new and greater contributions to advancing the Olympic cause and building a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

All the preparations for the 19th Asian Games are ready. The Chinese government and people are fully confident in presenting a spectacular Asiad, and contributing to the development of the Olympic movement and the unity and friendship of the Asian people, he said.

Noting that the world is currently facing geopolitical conflicts and many other difficulties, Bach said the IOC is committed to safeguarding multilateralism and opposing politicizing sports, and the IOC appreciates China for taking the right stance.

The IOC is satisfied with its cooperation with China, said Bach. He also extended gratitude to China for supporting the cause of international Olympics and expressed the hope that the cooperation between the IOC and China will be further strengthened.

"I believe it will be a successful and wonderful Asian Games that will promote unity and friendship of Asia," said Bach.

Senior Chinese leaders including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 22, 2023. [Xinhua/Liu Bin]

(Source: Xinhua)