As Beijing prepares to host the Winter Olympic Games for the first time, China's Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang took the opportunity to wish the British team good luck.

Ambassador Zheng and the chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA) Hugh Robertson discussed the preparations for the Games and agreed Beijing 2022 was an opportunity for both countries to improve their sporting relationship in what was described as a "friendly exchange of views," by the embassy.

Zheng explained the COVID-19 measures that will be in-place to protect all athletes, coach and organizers during the two week event at the brand new, state-of-art venues.

READ MORE

Ukraine civilians train with military

Waiting for Beijing 2022... in Northern Ireland

Norway's reindeer herders foil green transition

The ambassador extended an early welcome to Team GB, confirming the preparations are basically complete. And in a statement issued by the embassy he said: "Beijing 2022 is a grand international sports event and China has the confidence and capability to present to the world a simple, safe and splendid Olympics."

"It is hoped that all the relevant parties will uphold the Olympic spirit and make due contribution to the mutual understanding and friendship between peoples and the solidarity and cooperation between countries."

Robertson was joined by Andy Anson the CEO of the BOA and thanked the Chinese for the "meticulous and professional" arrangements provided to Team GB.

The embassy statement indicated the BOA was "fully confident that the Beijing Olympics will be a success," and hoped it would promote continued cooperation between China and the UK in the field of sport.