Your Excellency Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov,
Ambassador Jay Dharmadhikari,
Let me begin by thanking UNOCT and the French Mission for holding today’s meeting. We commend the tremendous efforts made by France to deliver a safe and spectacular Olympic Games.
China has successfully hosted many international sporting events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, the 2023 Asian Games, and the 2025 Asian Winter Games. In managing the security of those events, China has taken a people-centered approach, and has developed a science-based, efficient, and sustainable security system for major sporting events. Here, I wish to share some of our best practices.
First, efficient collaboration with a clear division of labor. Hosting large international sporting events is a complex undertaking. It requires cross-sectoral collaboration and inter-agency coordination to effectively address risks and challenges. For major sporting events, China would formulate policies, coordinate resources, and provide guidance at the national level, while implementing detailed security measures and emergency responses at the local level. We also focus on collaboration with the surrounding areas where the event is held, so as to leverage their role as protective barriers.
Second, technological empowerment and a focus on early warning, prevention, and control. China has incorporated cutting-edge technologies such as big data and AI to enhance our risk warning and emergency response capabilities. We have raised the threshold for event organizing, strengthened the assessment of terrorism-related risks, and promptly verified relevant leads. We have also been working hard to systematically identify and address hidden risks, and pay close attention to key areas and links. Our emergency response mechanisms for sporting event security have been further refined, and precautionary measures related to personnel, equipment, and technologies have been strengthened at key locations such as landmark buildings, major infrastructure projects, airports, stations, and tourist attractions. In 2008, prior to the Beijing Olympic Games, the Chinese Government thwarted two attempted terrorist attacks by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and seized large amounts of explosive devices and funds for their activities, thereby safeguarding the security and success of the Games.
Third, enhanced security cooperation through experience and resource sharing. With an open mind, China maintains close communication with relevant international organizations and has strengthened exchanges with countries with extensive experience in organizing major sporting events. With such exchanges and cooperation, China has learned from advanced practices, carried out joint drills, and deepened intelligence and information sharing. At the same time, we are making contributions to international cooperation on security management of sporting events through the China-UN Peace and Development Fund. Under that framework, China has supported UNOCT in implementing its Global Sports Programme, delivering e-learning courses, formulating guidebooks on event security management, and providing technical assistance to other developing countries on sporting event security.
Fourth, promoting the spirit of harmony to counter violent extremism. Sports play a vital role in promoting social cohesion and fostering tolerance. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the development of sports, and has made “fitness-for-all” a national strategy. We continue to improve our public sports services, support the development of sports in ethnic minority regions, and encourage sports participation among people with disabilities. China’s outreach efforts during the Beijing Winter Olympics have further popularized winter sports in schools across the nations, offering millions of young people the opportunity to experience the joy of the games while promoting values of solidarity, friendship, and fair play. Additionally, we have increased support for grassroots sporting events, such as the soccer, basketball, and volleyball leagues at the village level. These initiatives have played a significant role in promoting sportsmanship and well-being among the public.
China remains committed to working with the international community to deepen practical cooperation on counter-terrorism, share best practices and technologies, ensure the safety of major sporting events, and, by harnessing the power of sports, contribute to a world that enjoys lasting peace and universal security.