The London Olympic Games will be distinctive and wonderful, the Chinese government representative to the event said on Friday.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo made the remarks during a meeting in London with British Foreign Secretary William Hague.

"I am attending the London Olympics opening ceremony on behalf of the Chinese government, visiting members of the Chinese sports delegation and showing great support for the Olympics," Dai said.

He wished the London Olympic Games great success.

The London Olympics began on Friday and will run through Aug 12 after seven years of preparations.

The Sino-British relationship is very important, and there is huge space for potential development and cooperation, Dai said.

China and the UK should overcome problems that exist between the two countries, create a better atmosphere and conditions for future development, bring out the potential of Sino-British relations and benefit the people of both countries, Dai said.

Hague welcomed Dai to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games as the Chinese government representative and thanked him for China's support. Hague said the UK attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to strengthen dialogue, communication and mutual understanding with China to expand cooperation and promote the positive development of Sino-UK relations.

Dai visited members of the Chinese sports delegation in London's Olympic Village on Thursday, sending his best wishes and encouraging them to compete for victory.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, Dai extended cordial greetings to Chinese athletes, coaches and staff, and urged them to pursue the Olympic spirit "higher, faster and stronger" and strive for success.

"As a member of the Olympic family and the previous host country, China has participated actively and shown great support for the London Olympics. We have sent a big delegation of 621 members, which attracted worldwide attention," Dai said.

"You are both athletes and envoys of friendship," he said.

Dai told Chinese athletes to behave in a modest and unassuming way.

"We are considered a big sporting country, but we are still not a sporting giant. There are still gaps between China and global sports giants in many aspects," Dai said.

"We must be modest and unassuming in learning from other countries and continue to improve our athletic abilities," Dai added.

China's London Olympic delegation is the second-largest delegation in the history of China's participation in the Games and the biggest ever for an overseas Olympics.

The team includes 621 members, 396 of whom will compete in 23 sports.

Dai also visited China's media representatives, including China Daily, and asked them to deliver timely, accurate and comprehensive reports about the Games.

More than 1,000 journalists went to London from China to cover the Olympics. "This also reflects China's prosperous development," Dai said.

Contact the writer at zhangchunyan@chinadaily.com.cn