Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games on Friday, after a powerful message for peace from International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons. The opening ceremony at the Bird’s Nest took place against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent ban of the Russian and Belarusian teams from the Games. Ukraine is competing with 20 athletes and recieved applause from the spectators at the parade of the 46 participating teams during the two-hour ceremony. “The 21st century is a time for dialogue and diplomacy, not for war and hatre…