Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

China welcomes media from all countries to cover the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, but firmly rejects politicization of sports, ideological bias against China and fake information, a spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at Friday's routine press conference. 

The remarks were made in response to US State Department spokesperson Ned Price who urged China to ensure journalists remain safe and are able to report freely, including at the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 

With an open mind, Beijing has welcomed coverage of the Beijing Winter Olympics since the early period of preparation. The organizing committee has invited foreign media in Beijing to group interviews, media sessions, press conferences and other events to introduce the preparations of the games, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday. 

More than 2,500 reporters and photographers have applied to report the Beijing Winter Olympics. We reiterated that any foreign reporters registered in China can cover the event under the prerequisite of obeying Chinese laws and COVID-19 epidemic control policies, Wang said. 

China will ensure their freedom when reporting and continue to offer convenience and assistance to the reporters. We also welcome media to supervise the stadium construction, competition organization and logistics support to improve our work, the spokesperson said.

But we firmly reject politicization of sports, ideological bias against China, oppose making up fake news and information under the excuse of freedom of press to smear China and the Beijing Winter Olympics, Wang noted. 

China urges the US to respect the Olympic spirit, consider the development of Olympic sports, maintain the interests of athletes from the US and other countries, practice the Olympic motto of "together" and stop its irresponsible remarks.   　　

Global Times