Chinese translators offered a watered-down version of the Paralympic Committee president's anti-war speech during the Games' opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics on Friday did not include anti-war comments made by the president of the International Paralympics Committee.

I am horrified by what is happening in the world. The 21st century is a time for dialogue and diplomacy, not war and hate, as he opened his English-language speech in front of the Chinese President at Beijing's National Stadium.

The live interpreter for China's state broadcaster only said in Mandarin, "Parsons hopes for a better and more inclusive world where there is no discrimination, nor hate, nor ignorance."

His voice softened as he continued his speech. He said that the UN-approved Olympic Truce, which stresses that peace must be observed during the Olympics and Paralympics, must be upheld.

However, the translation changed his words to say that he hoped all athletes could compete in a friendly manner and showcase the best of humanity through sports.

The organization has been more vocal about its position on the invasion than the committee has been, but the speech by Parsons was notable for breaking away from the committee's avoidance of discussing politics at the Games. Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from attending the Games.

Ensuring the safety and security of athletes is of paramount importance to us, and the situation in the athlete villages is escalating and has now become unsustainable.

Agence France-Presse reported on Saturday that the IPC has asked CCTV to explain its actions and is still waiting for a response.

Premier League match screenings were scrapped in China after the league said it would vocally support Ukraine

Beijing is at a sensitive time as the Winter Paralympic Games open. Even as the West tightened sanctions on Russia, China did not condemn Putin.

The Guardian reported that iQiyi Sports, China's official broadcaster of the English Premier League, declined to screen live matches over the weekend after the league said it would show support for Ukraine.

China tried to be neutral. The United Nations voted to condemn Russia on Thursday. China hopes that Russia and Ukraine can find a solution to the conflict, according to Wang Yi.

Sense Hofstede, a PhD candidate researching China, Taiwan, and Singapore at the National University of Singapore, told Insider that China's actions shouldn't be mistaken for pro-Russia.

Hofstede explained that media in China often react in a way that will echo the Chinese government's views while not offending the public.

Hofstede said that the party-state is clearly supplying a Russian-friendly information environment, but this also complies with the demand for pro-Russian narratives among a largely anti-American public.