Chosun Ilbo:

The playbook for COVID-19 countermeasures released in late October didn't contain specific provisions on the invitation to heads of state. All governments are paying much attention to this. Could you please give us some more information? Also, Chinese organizers made it clear that tickets for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in the Chinese mainland who meet the requirements of COVID-19 countermeasures. Do you have any attendance restrictions, for example, the condition on the percentage of seating capacity? Thank you.

Zhao Weidong:

Let me answer your questions. First, the BOCOG has always upheld the concept of hosting the Games openly. Therefore, we welcome guests from all countries and all walks of life to engage in various forms of participation in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Jointly, we will deliver an excellent, extraordinary, and outstanding Winter Olympic Games for the world.

Regarding invitations to global leaders, distinguished international guests attending the Winter Olympics and Paralympics refer to heads of state, heads of government, sports ministers from countries participating in the Games, and other important government officials attending the Winter Paralympics. These international dignitaries attend the Winter Olympics and Paralympics at the invitation of their respective national and regional Olympic and Paralympic committees, instead of the IOC and the Olympic organizing committee of the host country. The national and regional committees also submit registration applications for their dignitaries and pay for related fees. You may consult with respective national and regional Olympic committees for related information. 

The public has also paid much attention to the audience of the Winter Olympics. According to key COVID-19 countermeasures jointly released by the BOCOG, the IOC, and the IPC, on September 30, we made it clear that tickets will not be sold to spectators residing outside of the Chinese mainland. As for detailed anti-epidemic requirements for spectators living in China's mainland, as well as arrangements for ticket selling, all these are being studied and developed and will be unveiled in time once established. We are also maintaining close communication with the IOC and the IPC. We will adjust measures regarding audience participation and ticket selling according to the latest epidemic prevention and control situation. Thank you.