Cai Xuetong, the distinguished world champion in women's snowboard halfpipe, has set her sight on the gold medal in the Asian Winter Games to be held in Harbin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.
The 9th Asian Winter Games is set to run from Feb 7 to 14 in Harbin, where Cai was born.
"The Asian Winter Game is in my hometown. And also that's my home mountain. So, I'm really excited to go back to my home mountain," Cai said in a recent interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beijing.
The four-time Olympian and 14-time World Cup champion snowboarder admitted there's pressure to compete at a home game, especially against strong opponents, but saying she shoots for gold medals.
"For sure. That's my home home. In Beijing, it was my country, but in Harbin, that's my hometown. I want to do my best to get better results in my home hometown," said the 31-year-old.
"Of course, I'm always chasing the gold, but I also know my competitors, they are really strong. So I'm going to do my best in the Games," she said.
The upcoming event marks China's first major international ice and snow event since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Cai said she is happy to see the rising popularity of snowboarding among the Chinese people since the Winter Games three years ago.
"I think now it's growing really big and still continue to grow. And I can see on the ski resorts snowboarders are much more than skiers. And they have been posted on social media, just taking the picture. I think 90 percent is snowboarding, so I'm really happy, as a snowboarder. I can see the sport is growing," she said.
World champion Cai Xuetong aims for gold in Asian Winter Games
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
