Chinese athletes are expected to display outstanding abilities on the winter Olympics in 2022. (Photo : Getty Images)
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, at the committee's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. During the meeting, Xi said Beijing will host a green, open-minded and corruption-free Olympics.
Beijing will be the venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics. This is the first time that China will be hosting both Summer and Winter Olympics.
Xi told the organizing committee that the preparation of the plan is now underway and will be expedited to achieve a clean and green event.
The construction of the venue and recruitment of overseas specialists will also transpire this year,
Tong Lixin, director of the sports department of the organizing committee, said: "The lack of talent in winter venue operation and technical support has been a challenge. We will work closely with international winter sports federations, equipment providers, and foreign venue operators to train our own staff."
The plan includes construction of 650 skating rinks and 800 ski resorts by 2022. China targets a gross revenue of $146 billion in revenue.
China intends to promote improved health through the Winter Olympics. President Xi also aims to push forward the agenda for the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Officials of the Olympic organizing committee welcomed the initiative from China. Many Swiss government leaders welcomed the Chinese president and the opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Blaise Godet, the former Swiss ambassador to China and president of the French-speaking branch of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said, "The mere fact that this state visit is taking place is an event in itself.
"The Chinese president is one of the most sought-after men in the world. This visit is certainly a great opportunity for Switzerland."
