The national flag of the People’s Republic of China is raised along with the flags of the International Basketball Federation and the 2019 Basketball World Cup during the FIBA World Cup opening ceremony in Beijing on Aug 30, 2019. It’s the first time that China has hosted the basketball tournament, formerly known as the Basketball World Championships. The group stage action starts on Friday in eight Chinese cities. (Photos: China Plus)

Chinese Basketball Association President Yao Ming unveils the trophy for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup at the opening ceremony in Beijing on Aug 30, 2019.

Chinese actor Jackie Chan (Center) sings during the FIBA Basketball World Cup opening ceremony in Beijing on Aug 30, 2019.

Performers dressed in costumes representing eight hosting Chinese cities walk on the stage during the FIBA Basketball World Cup opening ceremony in Beijing on Aug 30, 2019.

Chinese pianist Lang Lang performs during the FIBA Basketball World Cup opening ceremony in Beijing on Aug 30, 2019.