Overseas Chinese in France reportedly gathered June 22 in Paris voicing their support to Beijing's 2008 Olympic Games bid, marking the Olympic Day on June 23, and releasing open letters to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Beijing Olympic Bid Committee (BOBICO) respectively.

Lin Jiazhe, vice-chairman of the Overseas Chinese Association France, made a speech on behalf of all Chinese associations in France that the Olympic Five-ring flag is a symbol representing five continents. Before 2004, the Olympic Games will be held in three of the five continents including America, Australia, and Europe. If China, a country with one fifth of the world population, could not host the Games, the Olympic principles of "equality and broadness" would not be really realized, it said, emphasizing that China has never hosted an Olympic Games.

In the letter to IOC, the overseas Chinese showed their support to Beijing's bid of hosting 2008 Olympic Games. The statement spoke highly of China's great achievements scored in developing sports and improving people's living standards during the past 20 years since China undertook reform and opening up. China has won altogether 28 golds from 2000 Sydney Olympics, ranking third among three world Olympic powers.

The overseas Chinese also expressed their strong support and best wishes in the letter to BOBICO.

Altogether 63 large overseas Chinese associations were represented in the supporting activity to back Beijing's 2008 Olympic bid.

(People's Daily 06/26/2001)