International sport often leaves an indelible impact on global collective consciousness. Multilateral events such as the Olympics have often sought to engage audiences, boost viewership, build linkages and diffuse tensions by showcasing displays of athleticism, skillsets and endurance. Countries opting for sports diplomacy also promote constructive influences on international affairs and the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China is no different. The event leads the way as an ideal pan-Asian, multi-sport spectacle and by numbers alone, is the biggest sporting event in the continent’s history.

The choice of Hangzhou as the host city by China is due to the former’s status as a major e-commerce and economic hub. The city has repeatedly been rated as the best commercial city in the mainland by Forbes and with the highest growth potential as per assessments of the Economist Intelligence Unit. It also boasts the eighty-largest GDP among cities in the mainland and is one of the world’s top 100 financial centers with companies such as Alibaba, Ant and NetEase located there. Nestled in the east of China’s Zhejiang province, Hangzhou at the Asian Games hosted an extraordinary assembly featuring 12,500 athletes from forty-five diverse countries and regions in Asia. Furthermore, four hundred and eighty-one events unfolded in the event with representatives of forty-five countries and regions vying for glory. The best athletes from Asia showcased their skillsets in a total of forty sporting categories across sixty-one disciplines.

The city itself was named as the host for the games since September 2015. The emblem of the games called ‘Surging Tides’ was unveiled at a ceremony at the headquarters of the Hangzhou Culture Radio and Television Group in August 2018. It resembles a hand fan, the Qiantang River, radio waves and running tracks, which symbolize wireless connectivity. It reflects the cultural heritage of the area and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, while the sun symbolizes the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The emblem was designed after meetings of representatives from diverse sectors of Chinese society with the aim of creating a representation that resonates and imbibes a rich cultural essence.

The 2023 games are also a victory for bilateralism and Asian diplomacy. The boost that the event gave China- Kuwait ties is one such example. President Xi Jinping met Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah in Hangzhou, with an affirmation to take the existing bilateral relationship to newer heights. The meeting took place just before the games commenced on the 23rd of September, 2023 and the joint statement issued symbolized the importance of building on existing strategic understandings and continuing multifaceted cooperation between China and Kuwait.  

Bilateral cooperation documents on diverse areas including investments in renewable energy, environmental governance and infrastructural development were also inked during the visit. With both sides enjoying solid political foundations and an economy-centric focus, President Xi stated that China seeks to cooperate with Kuwait in fields such as the digital economy and soft power diplomacy. This includes the trial run of the first Chinese Cultural Center in the Gulf region which promotes literature, calligraphy and history through people-to-people exchanges. Security and counterterrorism measures were also accounted for alongside investments in health sectors which has been encouraged by Kuwait’s Health Ministry.

Historically, ties between countries such as China and Kuwait have remained fraternal. Kuwait was the first Arab country from the Gulf region to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1971 and is also the first country from the Middle East to sign Belt and Road cooperation documents with Beijing. Both countries have also accorded priority to each other’s strategic interests as has been witnessed when Kuwait relentlessly pushed back against Western sanctions on China over Hong Kong’s legitimate National Security Law in 2019.

Symbolism aside, the multitude of sports played at the games gives it box office appeal. From baseball, basketball, artistic swimming to kayaking, a mosaic of sports such as Taekwondo, Karate, Judo and Ju-Jitsu were on display. Such mosaics add to months-long anticipation from the Asian public over what was slated to become a sporting spectacle after years of meticulous preparations. According to Chen Weiqiang, the spokesperson of the 2023 Asian Games organizing committee, all competition equipment, support facilities and operational teams were completely prepared for the 2023 games. 

The games also ensured that soft power diplomacy reigned supreme over other considerations. One example is the Hangzhou Games Village which hosted a series of exhibitions and performing arts sessions with the aim of increasing tolerance, diversity, collegiality and harmony amongst athletes from across Asia. This includes cultural bazaars and showcasing celebrations of the 110th anniversary of the Asian Games through magnificent displays. Additionally, Chinese culture, traditions, the rich sporting heritage that Beijing holds and the hospitality witnessed make the 2023 Asian Games, a truly regional and globalized event.

The games also express a commitment to preserving the sustainability, health and future of the multilateral world order which has often been threatened due to American hegemonic designs. The main torch lit on the 23rd of September, 2023 for example, was fueled with low-carbon energy. The ‘Eternal Flame’ speaks to the unity of athletes from all countries and represents the diversity of states, perspectives, narratives and viewpoints while symbolizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

It is hence, evident that the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou values globalism, regional diplomacy and sustainability and is a grand example of how sports diplomacy can have a positive impact on international relations.