UN adopts Beijing Olympics resolution

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday adopted the Beijing Winter Olympic Truce Resolution drafted by China and co-sponsored by 173 UN member states.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, told media after the adoption that the strong support for the resolution reflects the international community's enthusiasm and confidence in the success of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

It was the second time since 2007 that a Chinese representative has introduced the Olympic Truce at the General Assembly, the envoy said.

The resolution, "Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal", calls on member states to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation through sports. It also asks countries to cease hostilities from seven days before until seven days after the Olympic Games.

The highlight of China's resolution is that it "adds the Beijing 2022 visions and ideals for the Games and sends a powerful message of unity and cooperation in overcoming the pandemic", Zhang said.

The success of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games is especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world and global challenges are emerging one after another, Zhang said.

More than ever, the international community needs to uphold the Olympic spirit, maintain unity and strengthen cooperation, the ambassador said.

The consensus adoption of the Beijing Winter Olympic Truce Resolution shows the international community's confidence in China successfully hosting the Winter Games, demonstrates the expectations of all parties working together to showcase a high-level Winter Olympic Games, and illustrates the determination and pursuit of people from all countries to jointly build a peaceful and beautiful world, he added.

While responding to reporters' questions, Zhang said that a few countries clamoring for a "diplomatic boycott'" of the Beijing Olympics is "unpopular and doomed to failure".

The Beijing Olympics are a grand event for athletes and ice and snow sports enthusiasts, who are the protagonists of the Games. The event's success does not depend on the attendance of officials from individual countries, he said.

In fact, according to the rules of the Olympic Games, politicians from various countries are invited to attend the Games by their own Olympic committees, Zhang added.

"As the host, China welcomes guests from all over the world. As for some people who say they don't want to come, my answer is, whether you come or not, the Beijing Winter Olympic Games will be here and it will be successful," the ambassador said.

Representatives from more than 20 countries, including Russia, France, Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar and Greece, spoke at the meeting to support the resolution.