Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday in Milan, Italy, upon invitation.

Ahead of the ceremony, Shen held a cordial conversation with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, and wished the Games great success. She also thanked the Italian side for its arrangements in hosting the Chinese sports delegation.

Mattarella asked Shen to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi, said he hopes Chinese athletes will achieve excellent results at the Games, and thanked the Chinese government for its valuable support for Italy's hosting of the Winter Olympics.

On Saturday, Shen met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. Shen said China is willing to deepen high-level cooperation with the IOC to promote world peace and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity through sports.

For her part, Coventry thanked the Chinese government for its firm support and significant contribution to the Olympic cause. She also expressed hope for continued close cooperation with China to carry forward the Olympic spirit and inject more positive energy into the current turbulent world.

During her stay in Italy, Shen also visited the Chinese Olympic delegation. The state councilor encouraged the athletes to uphold the spirit of Chinese sports and the Beijing Winter Olympics, to compete with perseverance and bring honor to the nation, and to demonstrate the vigor, confidence and optimism of Chinese youth in the new era.

Shen also paid a visit to the China House, operated by the Chinese Olympic Committee for the Games, and watched a figure skating competition.