Xi's trip to Sochi supports Olympics, boosts China-Russia ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in Russiaat President Vladimir Putin's invitation, China's Foreign Ministry said Monday.

This will be Xi's first foreign trip in 2014 and the first attendance by a Chinese president at a major overseas sports event, demonstrating China's strong support for the Olympics and Russia's effort to host the games.

It also underscores the importance China attaches to the development of Sino-Russia ties.

SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR OLYMPICS

"President Xi's attendance shows to the world China's belief in promoting the development of the Olympics and China's aspiration for a peaceful and beautiful world," said Huang Yaling, secretary general of the China Sport Science Society.

China hosted the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008 and the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010, leaving a valuable legacy for the development of world sports.

Experts say there are four reasons why Chinese leaders attach great importance to the Olympic Games.

First, the Olympic Games are conducive to improving the health of people in all countries while promoting the development of their society. It can also facilitate China's efforts to become a moderately prosperous society.

Second, the Olympic motto, "Faster, Higher, Stronger," matches the principle China has followed in its more than 30 years of reform and opening-up and should be carried forward on the road to realizing the Chinese Dream.

Third, the Olympic spirit of "solidarity, friendship and peace" is helpful in strengthening communication, understanding and cooperation among people all over the world.

Forth, Xi's attendance will not only promote cooperation between China and the International Olympic Committee and other countries in the Olympic field, but serve as a great inspiration to China's athletes.