The 120th session of the International Olympic Committee opened in Beijing on Monday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao attended the opening ceremony, pledging to hold high-level Olympic Games in the Chinese capital.

"The Chinese government and people will honor their commitment, and do their utmost to host a high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features. It is our hope that the Beijing Olympic Games would further promote the development of the Olympic Movement, further spread the Olympic spirit, and further enhance the cooperation in sports and other fields between China and other countries and regions."

President Hu said that sports has played a vital role in promoting China's social and economic development, as well as China's exchange and cooperation with other countries.

In his speech, IOC President Jacques Rogge said that he believed the Beijing Games would be a "historic" one and would significantly advance the Olympic goals of universality and fair play.

"The mere fact that the Olympic Games are coming to China, home to nearly 20 percent of the world's population, is significant. The Games will also leave a great legacy for China. China is a nation in transition, with a great future, tremendous potential and some challenges. I believe history will view the 2008 Olympics as a significant milestone in China's remarkable transformation."

Meanwhile, Rogge also referred to the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that rocked southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12th, which had killed nearly 70,000 people. Rogge said that while the world mourned the staggering loss of life from the earthquake in Sichuan Province, it also marveled at the courageous response by the Chinese people.

The annual IOC session was convened just four days before the opening ceremony of the 29th summer Olympic Games, scheduled to be staged in the National Stadium in north Beijing on Friday evening. The session will end on Thursday.
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