When the International Olympic Committee met seven years ago to choose a host for the 2022 Winter Games, China’s leader, Xi Jinping, sent a short video message that helped tip the scale in a close, controversial vote. China had limited experience with winter sports. Little snow falls in the distant hills where outdoor events would take place. “We will deliver every promise we made,” he told the Olympic delegates meeting in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. With the Games only days away, China has delivered.

Source: New York Times January 23, 2022 15:09 UTC