On Friday evening, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a festive banquet in Harbin to welcome international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.
As attendees from across Asia gathered in China’s northeastern “Ice City,” President Xi delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating the spirit of the Games and the unity of the Asian people. He noted that the passion for ice and snow sports has swept across China, invigorating winter sports worldwide.
“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,” Xi said. “It has also invigorated winter sports around the world.”
The President highlighted that this year’s Games set a new record with the number of participating countries, regions, and athletes. He expressed confidence that, with joint efforts, Harbin will present a spectacular event that is distinctly Chinese and uniquely Asian.
A Shared Aspiration for Peace and Development
Emphasizing the Games’ theme, “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” Xi underscored the shared aspirations of the Asian people for peace, development, and friendship.
“We should uphold our shared dream for tranquility and harmony,” he stated. “No matter how the international landscape evolves, we should join hands together to meet all kinds of security challenges.”
Xi also called for collaboration in promoting progress and development, providing sustained drive for an inclusive economic globalization.
Celebrating Diversity and Friendship
The President celebrated Asia’s rich diversity, comparing each unique civilization to a snowflake. “We should promote inclusiveness, coexistence, and mutual learning, and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilization,” he said.
He also expressed hope that athletes would excel with wisdom and agility, as China enters the Year of the Snake, symbolizing these qualities in the Chinese zodiac.
Harbin: A Beacon of Ice and Snow Culture
Known as the birthplace of China’s modern winter sports, Harbin is showcasing its ice and snow culture and economy as new drivers of high-quality development. Xi invited guests to explore the hospitable and open city, tracing the path of Chinese modernization.
“We feel truly here that ice and snow are as valuable as gold and silver,” he remarked. “The ice and snow culture and economy are becoming a new driving force for the high-quality development of Harbin and a new bond linking the city and the world.”
A Toast to Unity and Success
Concluding his speech, President Xi proposed a toast to the success of the Games, the development of the Olympic Movement, the solidarity and friendship of the Asian people, and the health of all distinguished guests and their families.
The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin promises to be a landmark event, fostering unity and showcasing the vibrant spirit of Asia through the passion of winter sports.
