Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, in Tianjin City, ahead of the 13th Chinese National Games.

 

During their meeting, President Xi thanked Bach for the IOC's role in pushing for the development of China's Olympic movement. Xi also pledged "a fantastic, extraordinary and excellent" Winter Olympic Games to be hosted in China in 2022. Bach, for his part, praised China's passion and preparation for the Winter Games. He said the IOC will coordinate with China to ensure the event's success. President Xi also met with the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah.