Harbin, China – As China steps into the Year of the Snake, the nation has welcomed leaders from four Asian states—Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Brunei, and Thailand. Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral discussions with each leader before they gathered in northeast China’s Harbin to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games on Friday.
With the theme “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” President Xi officially declared the games open, marking a significant moment in Asia’s sports and diplomatic landscape.
A Platform for Cultural Exchange
This marks the third time China has hosted the continental winter games, following previous editions in Harbin (1996) and Changchun (2007). Harbin, having won the bid in July 2023, has since been preparing extensively for the event. This year’s edition boasts participation from over 1,200 athletes across 34 countries and regions, making it the largest in history.
Husain Al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, praised the event’s organization, stating, “Fantastic! Very good. The facilities, hospitality, and climate will surely enhance the athletes’ experience.”
The games have also served as a vital cultural bridge. Supitr Samahito, Vice President of the Thai Olympic Committee, emphasized the unifying role of sports, noting that China’s expertise in hosting major sporting events has raised global expectations. Similarly, Mitsuya Yuko, Vice President of the Japanese Olympic Committee, expressed hope that the event would strengthen connections across Asia through the power of sport.
Advancing Regional Cooperation
President Xi’s meetings with visiting leaders focused on deepening economic and strategic ties. During talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, both sides agreed to boost cooperation in cross-border e-commerce, big data, and artificial intelligence to drive economic growth.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed his country’s commitment to China’s global initiatives, with both nations vowing to enhance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and foster practical cooperation in multiple fields.
Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and President Xi discussed collaborative efforts in the East ASEAN Growth Area and the New Land-Sea Corridor to strengthen economic connectivity across Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Xi acknowledged Thailand’s stringent measures against online gambling and telecom fraud, emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement and judicial cooperation. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of safeguarding regional security and economic exchanges.
The discussions culminated in the signing of multiple bilateral agreements, reinforcing China’s role as a key player in shaping the future of Asian cooperation.
As the 9th Asian Winter Games unfold, they not only celebrate athletic excellence but also serve as a powerful testament to Asia’s shared vision of unity, cultural exchange, and strategic collaboration.