"Chinese people are willing and determined to promote Olympic development as well as unity and friendship of people around the world, and are capable of and enthusiastic to contribute more," Chinese President Xi Jinping said at an event on Friday.

The event was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to honor role models of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

As the world is undergoing rapid changes and human society is facing various challenges, members of the Olympic family traveled thousands of miles to China to participate in the Winter Games, expanding the "circle of friends" and "circle of partners," Xi said.

"The successful hosting of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics promotes civilization exchanges, drives global unity and cooperation, and brings confidence and hope in a turbulent world," Xi said.

Stressing the role of the Olympics in promoting peace and development of mankind, Xi said China will contribute more wisdom and strength to the progress of human civilization.