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BEIJING, Sept. 17-- An animated giant panda named "Bing Dwen Dwen" and a red lantern baby called "Shuey Rhon Rhon" have been unveiled as the two mascots for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The mascots, revealed on Tuesday night at Beijing's Shougang Ice Hockey Arena, are strongly associated with the host nation's culture. Among those attending the launch ceremony were Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. Beijing 2022 executive president Chen Jining explained the idea behind the design of the two mascots at the launch ceremony. "The two mascots combine elements of traditional Chinese culture and a modern international style, as well as emphasizing the characteristics of ice and snow sports, and those of the host city. They vividly show the Chinese people's eager expectations for the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and China's warm invitation to friends from all over the world," said Chen, who is also the mayor of Beijing. "They are designed to express the full spectrum of the Olympic spirit, encompassing traits such as passion, perseverance, friendship and mutual understanding to actively engage the public." IOC President Bach expressed his delight at the design of the Olympic mascot. | 
