Global attention is on China's 2025 Spring Festival Gala produced by China Media Group (CMG), as the country's most-watched annual television event prepares to break cultural barriers and captivate international audiences with its Year of the Snake theme.
This year's 2025 Spring Festival Gala has achieved global reach, with its promotional video being showcased in multiple countries worldwide.
The Chinese Embassy in Brussels, in partnership with the Belgian Chinese Community Federation, hosted a vibrant Chinese Spring Festival Fair celebration on Jan.25, bringing together the local community to mark the occasion.
At the event, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was showcased against Belgium's famous landmark buildings, using lights and melodies to convey the rich festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.
"[I] like this kind of festivities, because it brings people together, improve communication between them and you enjoy life much more. You get energy from this," said a local resident.
At the "Icebreaker" 2025 Chinese New Year Dinner held in London, UK on January 22, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video allowed guests to experience the vibrant festive atmosphere and the unique charm of Chinese culture.
Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club, extended his warm wishes for the Chinese New Year.
"A huge happy New Year for the Year of the Snake. I wish everyone prosperity, happiness. I wish everyone to be bonding with their family, their friends and their loved ones at a time like this and a prosperous Year of the Snake ahead," he said.
In Germany, the promo reached over 100 screens across major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Dresden, and Dortmund on January 25.
The promotion didn't stop there. In the United States, the Spring Festival Gala video made its way onto the big screens of major theaters in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, where it was shown before the start of popular films. U.S. viewers were able to catch a glimpse of the celebration's grandeur, offering a preview of the lively and joyful festivities that would soon unfold in China.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been held since 1983 and aired live on Chinese New Year's Eve, which falls on Jan 28 this year. It has become a fixture for many Chinese households as part of the country's largest annual holiday celebrations.
This year's gala is the first one since the Spring Festival was officially recognized by the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage last year.
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo screens in multiple countries
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo screens in multiple countries
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
