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The Chinese authorities intend to organize the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing in line with the earlier approved plans despite the novel coronavirus pandemic, Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Monday, according to TASS news agency. 

"I would like to stress that China paid attention in the first place to the containment of the pandemic and the restoration of economy, having created favorable conditions for the organization of the Winter Olympics," Wang Wenbin addressed a regular briefing. "We are confident that the Games will be outstanding."

The diplomat reiterated that Beijing continues applying tough measures in the fight against the novel coronavirus. "We are applying active efforts to see that all planned sports events will take place," he said.

According to him, China’s preparations for the Games "have received an approval and substantial support on behalf of the world community, including of the International Olympic Committee [IOC]."

It is reminded that on January 25, Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with IOC President Thomas Bach and discussed the progress of China’s preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.