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China’s rejuvenation to the fore as Xi Jinping opens National Games
- Opening ceremony in packed stadium showcases the country’s latest achievements as well as the ancient host city Xian
- Games viewed as test run of Covid-19 measures before next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing
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Sarah Zhengin Xian
President Xi Jinping officially opened the National Games of China in the northwestern city of Xian, in a key test of the country’s Covid-19 defences in the countdown to next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing.
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A colourful opening ceremony on Wednesday, replete with performances highlighting the ancient host city in front of a packed stadium of masked spectators, emphasised Beijing’s aims for national rejuvenation and to become a major sporting power by 2050.
One of the first major sporting events to welcome spectators in the Covid-19 era, its tightly choreographed and patriotism-themed opening played up the country’s growing strength, including innovations in realms such as space and artificial intelligence as well as successes in containing Covid-19 – along with a nod to its revolutionary past in Shaanxi province, of which Xian is the capital.
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The 100-minute ceremony – concluding with the slogan “struggle for the new era, bravely advance the new journey” – sought to present an image of a confident and united China, including its various ethnic minority groups, and drew from references to Xian’s former glory as the capital of China during the Tang dynasty (618-907AD).
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Ancient city of Xian takes extensive measures to protect China’s National Games from Covid-19
Ancient city of Xian takes extensive measures to protect China’s National Games from Covid-19
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