The torch relay for the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People's Republic of China was held on Sunday in Sanya, Hainan Province, with 107 torchbearers from various walks of life joining in, contributing their unique spirit to the event.
The starting ceremony for the torch relay was held at Haihong Square in Sanya Bay, marking the beginning of the event. Sanya Bay, a prominent resort and tourism area on Hainan Island, is one of China’s earliest coastal tourism hubs.
Elegantly tracing the scenic sea views, the relay covered 3.8 kilometers of beach and three kilometers of road along Sanya Bay. It then transitioned into a 4.5-kilometer aerial segment starting at Haiyue Square, followed by a 5.4-kilometer maritime segment from the Sanya Yacht Tourism Center to the Half Mountain Peninsula Yacht Harbor.
"The ethnic minority compatriots on both sides kept waving to me, and I was very happy, feeling that our 56 ethnic groups were united together," said Han Xiaoyan, a torchbearer.
"The National Ethnic Minority Traditional Sports Games is not just a simple competition; it is a symbol of national unity. Through sports competition, the spirit of sport and the spirit of traditional culture are promoted, deepening our national unity and cohesion," said Gao Weiqiang, a fellow torchbearer.
Among the 107 torchbearers were outstanding individuals from various industries across the country, along with many grassroots workers, including craftsmen, police officers, athletes, media professionals, rural teachers, entrepreneurs, and coaches.
"I work in agriculture. When I return, I will continue to carry the spirit of the torch relay back with me and lead our fellow villagers to keep working toward prosperity," said torchbearer Huang Lingyan.
The offline torch relay was complemented by the conclusion of the online torch relay on Sunday. Launched on October 9, the online torch relay mini-program ran for 39 days, ending at midnight on November 16. It garnered 12,460,857 clicks, 2,118,940 registrations, and 1,914,591 participants, spanning all provinces and regions nationwide.
The Games will be held from November 22 to 30, bringing approximately 10,000 athletes representing China's 56 ethnic groups to this tropical island to compete in 17 sports, 139 events, and three demonstration sports.
Torch relay for China's 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities concludes
Officials and analysts have hailed Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting for its message highlighting the importance of globalization, sustainability, inclusiveness and reciprocity.
Xi called on the Asia-Pacific region to shoulder the responsibilities of the times and jointly promote development while addressing the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the Peruvian capital Lima on Saturday.
In his speech, Xi pointed out that over the decades, APEC has been instrumental in leading the Asia-Pacific to great success in development, prosperity and connectivity, making the region the most dynamic economy and primary engine of global economic growth.
Xi also stressed that countries in the Asia-Pacific should carry greater responsibilities on their shoulders, and act in solidarity and cooperation to meet current global challenges and start a new era in Asia-Pacific development.
The message conveyed by Xi struck a chord with many Peruvians, who noted the importance of adhering to a multilateral mindset.
"In his speech, President Xi Jinping delivered a very interesting message -- only by benefiting the world can we benefit our own country. He conveyed a vision of a shared future for humanity. Today, we must work to create well-being for everyone," said Alejandro Indacochea, a Peruvian economist.
"President Xi has put forward some ideas that are new to the APEC this time. The first one, I think, is the idea of expanding the pie, that is, more actively linking the APEC area, which is the Pacific area, with the rest of globalization. This is precisely what strengthens globalization in terms of equalizing economies so that everyone benefits," said former Peruvian Foreign Minister Hector Bejar.
"So, I think it's like you are setting examples of where your bar is within sustainability practices and how to make these truly not just economically fulfilling for both sides, but also to make it sustainable. Because that's what really will lead to future generations," said Natalia, a media professional in Peru.
"China is a very important actor and member of APEC. And I think China contributes a lot to APEC. I think that China is also a very important soci-economic partner for many of the Latin American economies. So, we really look forward to continue developing new areas of cooperation on the basis of mutual benefits with China," said Renato Reyes, Peru's senior official to APEC.
Xi put also forward three proposals in his speech, including building an open and interconnected paradigm for Asia-Pacific cooperation; making green innovation a catalyst for the Asia-Pacific; and upholding a universally beneficial and inclusive vision for Asia-Pacific development.
William Jones, the Washington bureau chief of the U.S. publication Executive Intelligence Review, highlighted Xi's emphasis on ensuring mutual benefits for all, and said these proposals can deliver positive outcomes not just for Latin America but for the whole world.
"I think they're all very good, and the third point that he made, of course, was the issue that it had to be mutually beneficial. And this of course has been always an element in China's foreign policies specifically connected to the Belt and Road Initiative, which is also gaining adherence in Latin America. And I think the presence of China in Latin America at this point has created a certain sense of optimism by 2026 that the route, the pathway that China has charted out is a successful pathway not only for China but also for the world," he said.
Xi's APEC speech hailed for safeguarding globalization, inclusiveness
