The Beijing Winter Olympic Truce Resolution was adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2. Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, introduced the draft resolution to the General Assembly before it was adopted.
Zhang Jun said that, as the host country of the XXIV Olympic Winter Games, China follows the tradition to propose the draft resolution on Olympic Truce. The draft resolution has 173 co-sponsors. Building on previous resolutions, this draft resolution adds the Beijing 2022 visions and ideals for the Games and sends a powerful message of unity and cooperation in overcoming the pandemic. The draft resolution recalls the important role of sports in promoting peace and sustainable development, notes that the vision of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 “Joyful rendezvous upon pure ice and snow uniting the passion of hundreds of millions for winter sports” is to inspire youth with the Olympic spirit, encourage millions to embrace winter sports, promote social progress, and create a harmonious, peaceful and better world.
File Photo: The Olympic Flame for Beijing 2022 Winter Games is being held at Beijing Olympic Tower on November 5. Photo by Li Peiyun/China News Service
Zhang Jun said that this is the second time for the Chinese representative to introduce the truce resolution at the General Assembly since 2007. China has always been committed to peace, to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to true multilateralism. We have participated in-depth and supported the cause of the UN and contributed to world peace and development. China is committed to the Olympic ideal and the spirit of Olympic Truce. We have actively participated in the previous Summer and Winter Olympics and supported the previous Olympic Truce resolutions. We have successfully held the Youth Olympic Games and other major international sports events, lending China’s strength to promote world peace, common development, and friendship through sports.
Zhang Jun said that the Olympic Games is a platform for athletes to shine and an event for all mankind. The Olympic Charter affirmed the principle of political neutrality of sports. We will join hands with people around the world to reject all wrongful words and actions that are contrary to the Olympic spirit and detrimental to the development of the Olympic movement. We call on all countries to take the Beijing Winter Olympics as an opportunity to resolve differences with dialogue, replace confrontation with cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and maintain world peace and development.
Zhang Jun said that Beijing will become the world’s first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the preparation of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Beijing 2022 aims to ensure the delivery of Olympic Games that are green, inclusive, open and clean. China is confident in bringing the world a simple, safe and splendid Olympics.
Since 1993, the General Assembly has adopted by consensus the Olympic Truce resolutions for 13 times in a row, calling on member states to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation through sport, and cease hostilities from seven days before until seven days after the Olympic Games.
(Reporter: Ma Delin)
