China Media Group (CMG) and Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, the official organizing committee of the 2026 Winter Olympics, signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in Lausanne, Switzerland on Monday, awarding the broadcast rights of the prestigious international sporting event to the Chinese state broadcaster.
According to the MoU, the two sides will expand cooperation in news reporting, program production, publicity and promotion, activity organization and personnel exchanges, to spread the sports values of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics and enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the people of China and Italy.
CMG will join hands with the Italian National Olympic Committee and the Milan organizing committee for the Games to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI and 8K ultra-high-definition (UHD) into the television production of the event.
The two sides also said the Winter Olympics and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy are an opportunity to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as sports, culture, film and television, enhance mutual understanding between their people, promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Italian civilizations, and push forward the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo organizing committee was jointly established with the support of the Italian government, the Italian National Olympic Committee and local governments.
As the official organizing committee of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics, it is responsible for coordinating the overall planning, execution and operation of the event.
China Media Group awarded 2026 Winter Olympics broadcast rights
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
