Int'l attendees impressed by Harbin hospitality as Asian Winter Games set to get underway

Athletes, media workers and Olympic officials have been impressed by the preparations made in northeast China's Harbin ahead of the 9th Asian Winter Games, which opens on Friday evening, with many hailing the first-class facilities, friendly hospitality, and the warm welcome they have received in the "ice city."

The week-long event, themed "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia," has gathered 1,275 competitors from 34 countries and regions, making this the largest ever edition of the Games in terms of overall participation.

This year also marks the first time that Cambodia and Saudi Arabia will participate in the Asian Winter Games, highlighting the event's expanding importance across the region, even in nations which may not typically be associated with winter sports.

Saudi Arabia has sent an eight-member delegation to compete as the country makes its debut, and curler Munir Al-Balbisi said he has been impressed by his experience in Harbin so far, noting the warm reception they have received despite the cold weather.

"You know the weather has changed a little bit [compared to Saudi Arabia], but it's fantastic. I mean everything is really organized, set up and the hospitality is great. So it is really good," he said.

The Harbin event will also welcome Afghanistan and Bahrain's return to the Games after they missed the last edition in 2017.

A Bahraini photographer said they see participation in Harbin as a precious opportunity to gain experience in winter sporting events.

"This is the second time Bahrain is participating in the Asian Winter Games. We are so happy to be in Harbin. We are focusing now on the ice hockey. We are here to learn more about the Winter Games," he said.

In terms of medical services, more than 600 full-time health care personnel will be dispatched to venues to handle any emergencies which may arise.

Sultan Al Busaidi, chair of the medical committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), is one of the more than 150 international technical officials attending the Games, and he is satisfied that high-quality medical infrastructure and services are well in place to serve the Games.

"We can see that the medical services and healthcare care here in the city is well formed. And all the infrastructure, hospitals, ambulances, medical teams, nurses, are all of a high caliber," said Al Busaidi.

The Games features a total of 64 events across 11 winter sports disciplines, including biathlon, curling, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, skiing, and ski mountaineering.

Int'l attendees impressed by Harbin hospitality as Asian Winter Games set to get underway

Int'l attendees impressed by Harbin hospitality as Asian Winter Games set to get underway

Int'l attendees impressed by Harbin hospitality as Asian Winter Games set to get underway

Int'l attendees impressed by Harbin hospitality as Asian Winter Games set to get underway

China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.

Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers