Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping poses with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge for a photo as he inspects the preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games at the Beijing Hotel, August 2, 2008. [Xinhua]

    BEIJING -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for good preparations for the Olympic Games to ensure safe and efficient city operation during the event.

    Xi, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when he inspected the logistic, service and security work for the Olympics in Beijing.

    "We have the determination and confidence in helping the IOC to successfully hold the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, and keep our promises to the world," he said when he visited Beijing Hotel, where the command center of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is located.

    He met with IOC President Jacques Rogge and other IOC officials at the hotel.

    Xi urged the hotel staff to provide good service and ensure smooth and safe operation of the command center during the Olympics, and guarantee the safety of lodging, food, transport and work for the IOC members.

    "The Olympics is not only a great international sports event, but should also be a large stage for international cultural exchanges," he said when he visited the Ditan Olympic Culture Square in Dongcheng District, one of 26 of its kind in Beijing.

    Some 628 Chinese and foreign organizations will give 672 shows on the squares in about two months before and during the Olympics and Paralympics.

    Xi also inspected public transport facilities, the Beijing Public Security Bureau's 110 command center and Beijing Power Grid Dispatch Center, and asked workers there to guarantee smooth transportation, public security and power supply for the Olympics.

    Other senior officials and members of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG) including Liu Qi, Liu Yandong, Ling Jihua and Guo Jinlong accompanied Xi for the inspections.