President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan welcomed global leaders to a grand banquet in Harbin ahead of the 9th Asian Winter Games opening ceremony. Dressed in winter-themed decor, the event highlighted China's growing influence in ice-and-snow sports. ❄️
In his speech, Xi emphasized that \"China's passion for winter sports has sparked a worldwide movement,\" crediting events like the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics for boosting international interest. He pledged that Harbin—a city famed for its ice festivals—would deliver \"a spectacular, unforgettable gala\" celebrating athletic excellence and cultural exchange. 🥌
Key takeaways from Xi's address:
🚀 Sports as diplomacy: \"The Games bridge nations and showcase Asia's shared spirit.\"
🌏 Youth empowerment: \"Young athletes are pioneers of a peaceful, interconnected future.\"
❄️ Economic momentum: Winter sports tourism has revitalized regional development in China.
The banquet also featured performances blending traditional Chinese art with modern winter themes, underscoring Xi's vision of \"harmony between heritage and innovation.\"
