Four Chinese athletes proudly participated in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch relay in Greece on Thursday, highlighting international unity and Olympic spirit.
On Thursday, the Olympic torch relay continued its second day in Greece, with four Chinese athletes participating in the symbolic event near the iconic Rio-Antirrio Bridge close to Patras, Greece's third-largest city.
The torch relay, which began in Ancient Olympia on Wednesday, is set to cover 2,200 kilometers across seven Greek provinces and 23 cities before the flame is handed over to the Italian organizers in Athens on December 4.
Representing China were gymnast Zhang Boheng, track and field athlete Chen Yujie, basketball player Wang Siyu, and trail runner Wu Yongbo. The group joined local torchbearers in carrying the Olympic flame close to the bridge connecting the Peloponnese Peninsula to mainland Greece.
"I feel incredibly proud to participate in this torch relay on behalf of Chinese athletes and the national gymnastics team. This is a great encouragement for me personally," said Zhang Boheng.
"I hope all Chinese winter sports athletes can achieve great results. I want to see everyone fulfill their dreams, enjoy the games, and show their best in Milan," said Wu Yongbo.
The torch relay follows the traditional ceremony held in Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic flame was ignited using the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera. Despite weather disruptions that forced parts of the ceremony indoors this year, organizers emphasized that the Olympic symbolism and message of peace remain undiminished.
The flame, symbolizing peace and unity, continues its journey through Greece before heading to Italy, where preparations are in full swing for the 2026 Winter Games.
Chinese athletes join Milan 2026 torch relay in Greece
Chinese athletes join Milan 2026 torch relay in Greece
The United Nations on Friday called on the United States and Iran to continue diplomatic efforts and ease current tensions, as Iran warned that it would no longer be bound by the bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) if the U.S. continues to violate its obligations.
Speaking at a regular press briefing at the UN headquarters, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stressed the importance of continuing diplomacy and voiced hope that the two sides will move negotiations forward to promote a comprehensive political solution at an early date.
"The most important thing is for the diplomacy to continue. We have seen over the last 24 hours a sort of lull in the kinetic activity. We see reports that the discussions are ongoing and we hope that they are," he said.
Tammy Bruce, U.S. deputy representative to the UN, told an emergency Security Council session on Friday that the United States favors a diplomatic settlement to the Iran conflict and hopes Tehran will engage seriously in negotiations to secure a final agreement.
According to Bruce, Iran's actions over the past week had contravened the MoU previously reached between the two sides, adding that the U.S. is ready to hold Iran accountable for such actions.
Later that day, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, told a press conference that the United States' attacks on facilities in southern Iranian cities and on several Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf on July 7 and 8 constitute a violation of the UN Charter and the MoU reached between the two sides.
Iravani said that according to the MoU, the United States pledged to cease all military operations against Iran and to refrain from threatening or using force.
He said the restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and related mine clearance work should be undertaken by Iran, adding that any intervention or establishment of parallel arrangements by external forces could undermine the implementation of the MoU and heighten regional tensions.
"Iran remained committed to the faithful implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), provided that the United States fully and faithfully complies with its own obligation. However, should the United States continue to violate its obligation under the MoU, Iran will no longer be bound to fulfill its obligation under the MoU," said Iravani.
UN urges diplomacy as Iran warns US over MoU violations
