China to introduce policies to support mass sports events

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner, said Thursday that it will introduce policies to support mass sports.

Li Chao, a NDRC spokeswoman, made the statement at a press conference in Beijing in response to the popularity of mass sports event in China at present.

The 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, dubbed with "Su Super League," - made up of 13 city teams competing in the east China's Jiangsu province - has become the most igniting sporting phenomenon in the country this summer.

This grassroots football league has captured the collective imagination of around 195,700 live spectators, with online viewership soaring into the hundreds of millions. It even transcends sport, becoming a model of synergy between athletics, culture, tourism, and consumption.

"We believe that on the one hand, this reflects the high enthusiasm and great demand of the people for diversified and mass sports events and fitness activities. On the other hand, it also shows that the development of related industries such as sports events and cultural tourism in our country holds huge potential," the spokeswoman said. Li said more sports venues and facilities that are popular among the people will be built in the areas with a high population density and a wide radiation range. In particular, China will vigorously develop outdoor sports such as ice and snow sports, water sports and mountain sports in the regions with superior resource endowments, solid development foundations and enthusiasm, and strive to build around 100 high-quality outdoor sports destinations by 2030. "Relevant departments will jointly make plans and policies to boost mass sports events and activities, and to promote the integration of culture, sports and tourism. By guiding local governments to promote the in-depth integration of sports events and activities with intangible cultural heritage and folk customs, tourism and sightseeing, and cuisine, and innovating the publicity and promotion of activities, and enhancing the appeal and comprehensive value of events, we strive to promote culture and tourism through sports events," the spokeswoman said.

China to introduce policies to support mass sports events

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela