China will work with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to uphold the principle of non-politicization of sports, make full use of the legacy of the Beijing Winter Olympics, and make greater contributions to advancing the Olympic cause and building a community with a shared future for humanity, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made the remarks when he met with IOC President Thomas Bach in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. Bach is in Hangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games which is scheduled for Saturday.

In the face of severe challenges brought by the unprecedented changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, the IOC has stayed true to its original aspirations and played a unique role in safeguarding world peace and development and promoting the unity and progress of humankind, Xi said.

China has always attached great importance to the development of sports, and actively participated in international Olympic affairs, Xi said.

All the preparations for the 19th Asian Games are ready. The Chinese government and people are fully confident in presenting a spectacular Asiad, and contributing to the development of the Olympic movement and the unity and friendship of the Asian people, he noted.

Noting that the world is currently facing geopolitical conflicts and many other difficulties, Bach said the IOC is committed to safeguarding multilateralism and opposing politicizing sports, and the IOC appreciates China for taking the right stance.

The IOC is satisfied with its cooperation with China, said Bach. He also extended gratitude to China for supporting the cause of international Olympics and expressed the hope that the cooperation between the IOC and China will be further strengthened.

(With input from Xinhua)