Mr. President:

The Chinese delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report on agenda item 48: Sport for peace and development (A/60/217).

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Since its establishment, the United Nations has always attached great importance to the important role and great influence of sports. The United Nations has done a tremendous amount of work in spreading and enhancing the Olympic spirit. The General Assembly has repeatedly adopted "Olympic truce" resolutions and declared the year 2005 as the "International Year of Sport and Physical Education". With the joint efforts of the International community, sport has not only become a bridge of exchanges, mutual understanding and friendship among peoples of the world, but also played a positive role in maintaining world peace and promoting common development. The modern Olympic ideal of "higher, faster and stronger" has gone far beyond the realm of sports and become a spiritual force of mankind in pursuit of happiness, prosperity and a harmonious world. We hope that all countries will continue to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, enhance the Olympic spirit and promote the dialogue and exchanges among different civilizations in an effort to create a peaceful and prosperous world.

Mr. President,

The Chinese government and people appreciate the Olympic spirit and fully recognize the important role of sport for peace and development. We commend Italy and Tunisia for submitting two draft resolutions respectively under this item and have gladly joined the co-sponsors. In this connection, we would also like to wish the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy great success.

Mr. President,

The 28th Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China in 2008 and all preparations are proceeding in an orderly manner. In accordance with the concept of Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics, the Chinese government will further enhance the Olympic spirit with a view to making the Beijing Olympics a magnificent sport gathering which will promote and maintain world peace, enhance the friendship among the peoples of the world and promote the dialogue and exchanges among different civilizations. The at once ancient and modern China welcomes the arrivals of friends from all countries of the world.

Thank you. Mr. President.