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WUHAN, Oct. 18-- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with defense department and military leaders of participating countries and senior officials of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) here on Friday before the 7th Military World Games is opened. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Chinese government, Chinese people and the Chinese military, to the leaders, officials and athletes and joined them for a group photo. "Sport is an important symbol of social development and human progress. It is an integral part of people-to-people and cultural exchanges," Xi said. Xi noted that soldiers and sports are connected in nature, as many sport disciplines, including shooting and marathon, originated in military practices. Military sports help build up the physique of the soldiers, boost their morale and showcase their capabilities, as well as promote exchanges between militaries. They are given high attention by countries around the globe. Xi pointed out that Chinese military attaches great importance to military sports and has organized extensive military sports activities. China is also an active participant in international military sports competitions, especially since joining the CISM in 1978, after which China, along with other CISM member nations, has taken part in military sports competitions and hosted military sports activities, and conducted cooperations and exchanges with them, becoming an active participant, a proactive contributor and a key driver to the development of military sports. | 
