Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated the 15th National Games, which are considered the country’s largest multi-sport event. As China’s top leader, Xi Jinping has made turning the nation into a sports powerhouse and promoting public fitness a top priority to improve the overall health of the citizens.
A Vision of Strength and Prosperity
In President Xi’s view, "When sports flourish, China grows strong; when the nation prospers, sports also flourish." A sports enthusiast himself, Xi Jinping has shared that he enjoys swimming—a skill he learned in childhood. He is also an avid fan of hiking, football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and martial arts.
Xi Jinping believes that sports build character and resolve. He has consistently emphasized the holistic development of students—encompassing moral, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic growth. He stated:
"Chinese modernization is deeply linked with public health. Massive participation in sports is essential for a healthy nation, and a strong competitive sporting foundation is built upon public fitness."
Leadership in International Sports
Xi Jinping attaches great importance to hosting international sporting events, which many view as a representation of China’s transformation and progress. In 2007, while serving in Shanghai, he oversaw the preparations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games. His experience presiding over meetings and inspecting venues became a valuable reference for hosting large-scale events across China.
On the national stage, he provided guidance for the:
- 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics
- 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics
- 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics
These events presented China to the world as a modern and open nation. Xi Jinping has clarified that results in competitive sports are a key indicator of progress toward becoming a global sports power. China has consistently secured top positions on Olympic medal tables, maintaining dominance in sports like table tennis and weightlifting.
Consistent Progress and Student Fitness
Under Xi’s leadership, China’s overall competitive development in high-level sports continues. Building on strong Olympic results, Chinese athletes have made historic breakthroughs, winning over 500 World Championship titles since 2021.
President Xi has also prioritized physical training for students. Under his supervision, several policy measures were introduced, including:
Guidelines for strengthening physical education in schools.
Initiatives to improve student fitness.
An action plan for the prevention and control of nearsightedness (myopia).
Public Fitness as a National Strategy
By elevating the "Public Fitness Campaign" to a national strategy and including it in the Five-Year Plan, a comprehensive institutional guarantee has been established. By the end of 2024, the total area of sports venues nationwide reached approximately 4.23 billion square meters. More than 38.5% of residents now exercise regularly, and the average life expectancy has risen to 79 years.
For President Xi, "The most important indicator of modernization is the health of the people, which is the foundation of a prosperous life."
Sports Diplomacy
Xi Jinping has used "Sports Diplomacy" to stabilize and expand China's circle of friends. As President, he watched youth football friendly matches in Berlin, received a "Number 10" jersey with his name on it during a visit to Argentina, and exchanged Olympic torches with his French counterpart.
Prior to the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games, he met with IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach in Guangzhou. He told them that the Olympic Spirit represents the aspirations of people for a better world—a vision that is perfectly aligned with China's concept of a "community with a shared future for mankind."
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