International sporting events have always been the fastest way for countries to engage with each other, and the Olympics, with the most participating countries and the greatest influence, serves as the best stage for this exchange. From China’s return to the Olympic stage in 1984, to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and the Paris Olympics in 2024, China’s performance in the Olympics over these forty years mirrors the country’s process of reform and opening up.
These forty years have been a period of rapid economic growth for China and deep international engagement. Foreign investment has become a significant component of China’s economy, and Chinese enterprises are actively seeking opportunities abroad.
Opening up to the world has significantly benefited the development of China’s sports industry as well—from closed-door training to continuously participating in top international competitions; from exploring on their own to introducing the most advanced theories and equipment, China has gained strong competitiveness in an increasing number of sports. Coaches and athletes going abroad and inviting foreign experts to China have become more common. Chinese companies are also increasingly appearing as Olympic sponsors and suppliers.
