Beijing’s new mayor recently took office  and promised the Summer Olympics would make China proud.

Mayor Guo Jinlong, in brief remarks to reporters after being appointed by the legislature, twice mentioned the Olympics, underscoring the event’s importance to the city.

Guo Jinlong said, ‘We will successfully hold a high-caliber Olympics and Paralympics with distinguishing features, and the preparations and services should be done at the highest standard and with the best spirit so as to make a contribution to the realization of the 100-year dream of the Chinese nation.’

Like his mentor, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Guo ran China’s Himalayan region of Tibet for several years. He then took over as party chief of Anhui, a poor, overcrowded and mainly agricultural eastern province. Guo, who is 60, was selected acting mayor in November following a party leadership reshuffle.

In his remarks, Guo said he would carry out party policies and make Beijing a prosperous capital.

He said, ‘We will strive to make Beijing one of the most thriving, civilized, harmonious and livable cities in the country.’
Source: USA Today