With one month until the 12th World Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, venue construction and opening ceremony rehearsals are making headway, marked by a successful full-element integrated rehearsal on Monday. Scheduled for August 7 till 17, the 12th World Games will hold its opening ceremony at Chengdu's landmark Tianfu Eaves, Asia's largest wooden structure, stretching 430 meters long, towering 32 meters high, and spanning 16 meters wide.
Qiao Wei, head scriptwriter for the opening and closing ceremonies, highlighted the significance of incorporating this landmark into the event.
"Tianfu Eaves was not built specifically for the World Games. It is an inherent part of the city. What we have done is leveraging the existing space and facilities, integrating the cityscape and people's daily lives into this grand event," said Qiao.
The venue for the World Games also incorporates many technological elements, such as two enormous electronic screens. Utilizing advanced high-brightness and ultra-high-resolution display technologies, the screens have been precisely positioned to guarantee unobstructed viewing from any seat in the venue.
"Not all spectators will be seated in the stands and some will sit on the grass lawn, enjoying the event in a fully open-air environment," said Huang Peiling, deputy chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies.
The opening ceremony maximizes the use of existing urban spaces, allowing spectators to not only enjoy competitions but also to immerse themselves in Chengdu's unique natural and cultural scenery.
"We aim to showcase a multifaceted Chengdu, to showcase the daytime and night time sceneries of Chengdu, which is to fully present an opening ceremony surrounded by actual sceneries," said Qiao.
The 12th World Games will feature 255 events across 60 disciplines and 34 sports. Around 5,000 athletes from an estimated 110 countries and regions are expected to take part, including approximately 330 Chinese athletes - the country's largest-ever delegation to the World Games.
Chengdu ramps up rehearsals as 12th World Games draws near
The statement of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the urgency for reforming global governance, according to a poll from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday.
"I don't need international law," said Trump during an with The New York Times this week, days after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. This statement perfectly captures Washington's unilateral and hegemonic trajectory. The New York Times observed that Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his world-view.
In a global public opinion poll conducted by CGTN, 93.5 percent of respondents expressed belief that the U.S., by pursuing unilateralism, has placed itself in opposition to the international community. Also, 91.7 percent think that reforming the global governance system is an urgent priority.
On Wednesday the U.S. announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, setting a new record for its retreat from multilateral commitments. These organizations span climate, energy, and global governance, among other fields. Trump argues that their operations run counter to U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
In response, 84.1 percent of respondents were not surprised by the U.S. move. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent viewed it as another radical step under the "America First" doctrine. In addition, 93 percent believed the U.S. approach of using international systems when beneficial and abandoning them when not severely undermines the existing international order and global fairness and justice. Also, 88.3 percent noted that the U.S. withdrawals once again expose it as an irresponsible major power, dealing a significant blow to its international reputation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe the U.S. withdrawals reflect its negative attitude toward global governance.
The recent episode of unilateral and bullying actions by the U.S. government has sparked widespread alarm and discontent within the international community. Washington's adherence to the law of the jungle where "might is right" is severely undermining the global governance system. In the poll, 89.9 percent of respondents agreed that multilateralism, based on coordination and cooperation, remains key to addressing current global governance challenges. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent believe it is crucial to advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold international rule of law, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. Moreover, 90 percent think major powers should shoulder greater responsibility and play a more constructive role in promoting global governance reform.
The poll was conducted across CGTN platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian languages, attracting 24,000 responses within 24 hours.
Trump says 'I don't need international law,' highlighting urgency for reforming global governance: CGTN poll
