In a landmark move for greater inclusiveness, the China Media Group (CMG) will offer barrier-free broadcasts of its 2025 Spring Festival Gala tailored for over 45 million visually and hearing-impaired viewers for the first time.
These dedicated broadcasts will provide real-time program interpretation and detailed background narration, ensuring that everyone can fully appreciate the entertainment of this special program.
With less than three weeks to go, CMG held the second rehearsal of the gala on Friday to further fine tune the performances following the first rehearsal last Sunday.
The gala, also known as Chunwan in Chinese, has been regarded as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Lunar New Year celebrations in China. It has been broadcast live annually since 1983, and will be aired globally on Jan 28 this year, the eve of the Lunar Chinese New Year of the Snake.
The Spring Festival is the grandest traditional festival in China and an occasion for family reunion. It falls on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, the 6th of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese Zodiac.
On Dec 4, 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival and its social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking a global recognition of this vibrant celebration and cherished cultural tradition.
CMG offers barrier-free broadcasts of Spring Festival Gala
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
