Citing Beijing's sound progress preparing for excellent 2022 Winter Games, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach hailed China's contribution in promoting the Olympic Movement worldwide.

From impressions gained by inspecting venues for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to attending the opening ceremony of China's National Games and an Olympic art exhibition, the IOC chief said he remained impressed by China's commitment to developing sports by all means while embracing the Olympic spirit.

"I have a very close bond with China, ... and I am very happy to see the growing importance of China in the international sports world, not only by organizing excellent Olympic Games but also taking more and more responsibility in international organizations like the IOC," Bach said in a recent interview with Jia Zheng, chief editor of China's Loong magazine.