BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka on Monday called for stronger international cooperation to protect clean sport, while Chinese officials reaffirmed the country's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach toward doping.
Addressing the 21st Asia/Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport in Beijing, Tong Lixin, Deputy Director of China's General Administration of Sport, said China has consistently attached great importance to anti-doping efforts and Chinese athletes achieved strong results at major international events, including the Paris 2024 Olympics and Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, without any doping violations.
He highlighted China's efforts to strengthen its anti-doping framework, including the addition of the crime of obstructing doping control to the country's criminal law in 2020 and revisions to the Sports Law in 2022 that enhanced support for anti-doping education, scientific research and international cooperation.
"China is willing to continue strengthening exchanges and practical cooperation with WADA and all parties in areas such as code implementation, capacity building, talent development and education resource sharing," Tong said.
Banka said governments play a unique role in the global anti-doping system through legislation, funding and international cooperation.
"The role governments play in the system is unique and hugely important," he said.
According to Banka, WADA's Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network has helped dismantle 88 criminal laboratories and trafficking networks, leading to the seizure of more than 90 tonnes of performance-enhancing substances.
"That equates to 1.8 billion doses of prohibited substances prevented from reaching the global market," he said.
Banka also highlighted the adoption of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and urged governments to continue supporting global anti-doping efforts.
WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said the new Code places additional focus on human rights, particularly emphasizing the expansion of protections for minors and protected persons. It also features increased responsibility of athlete support personnel, more flexible approach to sanctions and expanded appeal rights for athletes.
He also warned against the politicization of anti-doping and stressed that the system must remain independent, collaborative and science-based.
"Anti-doping should not be politicized. Anti-doping should not be weaponized," Niggli said.
The ministerial meeting brought together more than 140 participants, including government ministers, senior WADA officials, and representatives of national and regional anti-doping agencies. The fifth Anti-Doping Symposium organized by the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) was also held on Monday, while the WADA Asia and Oceania Regional Symposium is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. ■
