Shanghai, China - May 19, 2024

Storyline:
The upcoming Paris Olympics bear unique meaning under the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Bach said that Paris Olympics aim to send peaceful signals to conflicted world.

Bach also hailed China's key role in the Olympic realm, mentioning the success of the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) Shanghai stop, which ran from May 16 to 19.

Shotlist:
Shanghai, China - May 19, 2024:
FILE: Lausanne, Switzerland - July 22, 2020
1. Olympic rings at IOC headquarters;
2. Building of IOC headquarters, people walking;
Lausanne, Switzerland - Recent
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Bach, president, IOC (ending with shots 4-5):
"These Olympic Games are happening [against] a very complex backdrop, with all the geopolitical tensions we have in this world, with wars and conflicts. I think what will be very important will be the message of having really the entire world coming peacefully together. Then, this will be the first Olympic Games following our Olympic agenda reforms. That means this will be a Games which will be more inclusive, will be more urban, will be younger, will be more sustainable. And it will be the very first Olympic Games in our history with full gender parity.";
FILE: Paris, France - April 17, 2024
4. Various of countdown clock under Eiffel Tower;
5. Various of Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games logo; sign reading "2024";
6. Various of spectator stands under construction;
Lausanne, Switzerland - Recent
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Thomas Bach, president, IOC (partially overlaid with shots 8-11):
"China is playing an extremely important role in the Olympic movement, as it does in the world. And therefore, not only with the organization of these two Olympic Games recently [in 2008 and 2022], we are also looking to and with China to the future. We just had couple of days even ago the first ever Olympic qualifier series in Shanghai with a huge success with new and young sports being presented in an extraordinary way. And already, with the great Chinese athletes, you will see a very strong Chinese team then in Paris. We have an excellent cooperation with the Chinese Olympic Committee, so China is extremely important."
Shanghai, China - May 19, 2024
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
8. Aerial shot of venues of Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai;
9. Sign, banner of Olympic Qualifier Series;
10. Various of pictures showing athletes in competition, receiving awards on stage;
FILE: Paris, France - April 17, 2024
11. Various of merchandise inspired by Paris 2024 Olympic Games
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
FILE: Lausanne, Switzerland - July 22, 2020
12. Various of Olympic rings.

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