China thanks Russia for supporting Winter Olympics bid

BEIJING - China on Tuesday thanked Russia for the country's support of China's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and said it would draw experience from the Sochi Olympics.

Beijing launched a joint bid with neighboring Zhangjiakou city to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games last November. Beijing hosted the Olympic Games and Paralympics in 2008.

China has always attached great importance to the Olympic Games and has widely participated in the events, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing.

The bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games has gained strong support from the Chinese government. President Xi Jinping also garnered backing from Russia and other parties during his presence at the Sochi Olympics, Hua said.

"We wish the Sochi Olympics full success and are willing to learn from the successful experiences of Russia," the spokeswoman said.