Double celebration of Spring Festival, Winter Olympics brings China closer to world

BEIJING -- While many across the world are joining the Chinese people in celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival, another grand event is just around the corner.

The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, which will officially begin on Friday, gathers 2,900 athletes from around 90 countries and regions, becoming one of the largest events in Winter Olympics history.

This double celebration brings hope, strength and wisdom to the international community as the world is fighting a pandemic and various pressing challenges.

The occasion also helps forging a stronger bond between China and the rest of the world through deeper personal and cultural exchanges.

Facing a rapidly-evolving global landscape and the emergence of various global challenges, a great many people are placing greater hope for a better future in the Year of the Tiger, a Chinese zodiac animal that symbolizes strength and courage.

While people in South Korea, France, Hungary and New Zealand issued stamps featuring Chinese elements, Belgrade and London ushered in the new year with stunning light shows.

"The tiger denotes strength, vitality, courage, tenacity, and boldness. These are qualities we need as we face the unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Xinhua.

The Beijing Winter Olympics creates a bridge between China and the world for mutual understanding, offering a platform for showcasing the importance of solidarity and collaboration in times of difficulty.

Following years of preparations, Beijing, the world's first "dual-Olympic city" that hosts both summer and winter Olympics, will demonstrate once again the hospitality and open-mindedness of the Chinese people.

In his signed article published Thursday by Xinhua, Russian President Vladimir Putin observed: "Our Chinese friends have done tremendous work to prepare well for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. I am convinced that China's extensive experience in the excellent organization of representative international competitions will make it possible to hold this global festival of sports of the highest level."

China's resolve, efficiency and vitality were on display as it confronted several hardships to hold the event, helping to make the torch of friendship, harmony and solidarity more splendid.

As Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari has put it, facing the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, the Chinese government has fully demonstrated its firm resolution and confidence in hosting the Beijing Olympic Games. She believes that the international gala will bring friendship, harmony and unity to athletes and countries worldwide.

Similarly, Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc believes that the Olympic flame lit at the National Stadium in Beijing will be a symbol of the sports spirit transcending national boundaries, which embodies the strong will and unity of mankind and inspires confidence in building a peaceful and prosperous world.

"Beijing Welcomes You," a feature song and a simple greeting that pervaded every corner of Beijing in 2008, has never been forgotten, particularly given China's concrete actions in practicing the Olympic spirit.

Noting that Beijing is about to make history, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said that the Beijing Winter Olympics will be remembered in history and open a new era of global winter sports.

The Chinese tradition of having reunion banquets during the Spring Festival symbolizes the desire for family unity and happiness, which resonates with Olympic culture. The Olympic rings represent a united world.

"Together for a Shared Future," the official motto for Beijing 2022 Olympics, perfectly summarizes the common pursuit embedded in the Chinese and the Olympic culture, and illustrates what the world needs most: unity and strength.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of Qiushi Journal.