Chinese Olympic Organizing Committee Conducts Pre-Event Venue Inspections... Strong Commitment to Hosting Expressed

Inspection of postponed snow sports from last November to be conducted this month, iceberg sports in April
Japan, which failed COVID-19 prevention, faces uncertain Olympic hosting

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee in China has revealed the schedule for the Winter Olympics, which is one year away, including holding a pre-inspection event for the venues.

Although the hosting remains uncertain due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it appears that the commitment to hold the event has been reaffirmed. Above all, this is interpreted as a preemptive measure to dismiss the Olympic boycott movements from countries such as the United Kingdom, citing human rights issues in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 16th, the organizing committee will hold an event inviting international experts and athletes to conduct a pre-inspection of the Olympic venues completed before the end of this winter. The committee had canceled the pre-inspection with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last November due to COVID-19.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The organizing committee explained that it plans to invite international experts and athletes this month to inspect the snow sports venues, and in April, inspect the ice sports venues to supplement facilities. It also reported that it is in consultation with international winter sports federations to conduct tests for ice hockey and curling venues in the second half of the year.

The committee stated that the reason for the pre-inspection is to pilot and improve hardware aspects such as venues, various equipment, and transportation systems to ensure the successful hosting of the Winter Olympics.

A committee official said, "The pre-inspection is conducted under conditions similar to the actual Olympic competitions," adding, "Considering COVID-19 prevention measures, the scale has been reduced compared to the original plan."

The Chinese government has expressed its commitment to hosting the Olympics by inviting high-level diplomats from 30 countries, including ambassadors stationed in China, to the Winter Olympic venues during the Lunar New Year holiday, chaired by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Minister Wang emphasized the determination for a successful event, saying, "With the countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics underway, all preparations are proceeding orderly. China will make the Olympics a safe and splendid celebration."

The successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics carries the Chinese government's political objectives. The Chinese leadership plans to demonstrate the "rise of China" through a schedule that includes the declaration of a Xiaokang society (a moderately prosperous society for all people) in the first half of this year, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party in the second half, and the successful hosting of the Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Global Times reported on the same day, citing foreign media, that Japanese companies hope for the cancellation or postponement of the Summer Olympics.

The Global Times reported that according to a survey, 56% of 11,000 Japanese companies responded that the Olympics should be canceled or postponed. Only 7.7% of companies said the Olympics should proceed as planned. Additionally, 17% of companies said the Olympics should be held without spectators. The outlet added that Japan is currently struggling with COVID-19 prevention and that vaccine rollout is delayed compared to other Western countries, making the hosting of the Olympics uncertain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.