BEIJING: As the Lunar New Year — also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival — approaches on February 17, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse, world leaders and international figures have extended warm wishes to the Chinese people, many delivering their greetings in Chinese with “Chun Jie Kuai Le” (Happy Spring Festival).
Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, began his message in Chinese, wishing “Happy Lunar Year 2026” in a video produced by Xinhua News Agency and released by the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands. He noted that 2026 marks the seventh anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, describing the ties as “a true story of success and growth.” Manele thanked China for its tangible contributions to the Solomon Islands’ development and acknowledged its growing global role, expressing hope that the Year of the Horse — symbolizing strength, freedom, optimism and perseverance — would bring further shared prosperity.
Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, also began his video greeting in Chinese with “Xin Nian Kuai Le.” He praised the Chinese community’s longstanding contributions to New Zealand’s cultural, economic and social life and wished everyone health, happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.
In Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul extended his New Year message in Chinese, wishing good health, thriving businesses and success in the year ahead. During a recent virtual meeting, Vladimir Putin conveyed his Spring Festival greetings, wishing the Chinese people vibrant energy and success in all their endeavors. David Adeang, President of Nauru, also sent warm wishes, describing the horse as a symbol of vitality, progress and perseverance that reflects the enduring cooperation between his country and China.International organizations joined in the celebrations as well.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, began his video greeting in Chinese and expressed appreciation for China’s role in promoting multilateralism and global solidarity. Concluding with “Xie Xie,” he wished that the spirit of the horse would bring health, happiness and prosperity. The video backdrop blended traditional Spring Festival elements — including red lanterns and a paper-cut horse — with UN symbolism.
In recent years, it has become increasingly common for global leaders to mark the Spring Festival with public greetings, reflecting the holiday’s expanding international presence.
The festival was inscribed in 2024 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further boosting its global recognition.Celebrations this year have also taken place worldwide.
In Dubai, festivities featured parades and traditional performances, while in Paris, a Chinese New Year parade along the Champs-Élysées combined dragon and lion dances with modern elements, drawing large crowds.
As the Year of the Horse begins, leaders across continents have echoed themes of strength, endurance and forward momentum, underscoring the growing global appeal of Chinese culture and its expanding soft power.
