World leaders send New Year greetings to Chinese people

As China ushers in the Year of the Snake, several current and former heads of state have sent warm New Year greetings to the Chinese people, emphasizing the importance of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

This year, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. As the most significant holiday on the Chinese calendar, it is a time for family reunions, festive celebrations, and reflecting on the year ahead.

Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, sent his warmest greetings on behalf of his people and government.

"First and foremost, I would like to extend to you and the friendly people of China, on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of Cyprus, our warmest wishes for a very happy, successful and prosperous new year," he said.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also sent warm wishes and hopes for a shared future community.

"To the dear Chinese people and their leaders, from Cuba, we would like to join in the festivities celebrating the arrival of the [Chinese] New Year. On behalf of the Communist Party, the government, and the Cuban people, we extend our sincerest wishes for happiness, health, and prosperity. In the coming year, we are committed to advancing with firm and steady steps in defense of the socialist cause and in the construction of a shared future community between China and Cuba. Many congratulations," said Diaz-Canel.

David Adeang, President of Nauru, took the opportunity to reaffirm his country's strong ties with China while extending the holiday greeting.

"On behalf of the government and people of Nauru, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to President Xi Jinping and the people of China, as you celebrate the Year of the Snake. This symbol of wisdom, transformation, and prosperity reminds us of the importance of growth and collaboration. Nauru reaffirms its commitment to the one-China principle and values our strong partnership with China. Let us continue working together to promote peace, development, and prosperity for our nations. I wish President Xi and the people of China a very happy new year. May this year bring peace, harmony, and great success," Adeang said.

Former Polish Deputy Prime Minister Grzegorz Kolodko also shared his good wishes, with a light-hearted message.

"Super nice 2025. I'm in central Poland, the country of economic success in Europe. And now I wish you very happy new 2025 year to the people of the greatest economic success in the world. I wish you a very happy new year. Happy Snake Year," Kolodko said.

Ante Simonic, former Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia, expressed his hopes for peace and joy from his home country.

"My dear friends, from the heart of Croatia's beautiful mountains, I'm overjoyed to send you warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyful Chinese New Year. Happy New Year to all Chinese people and friends of China around the world. May the Year of the Snake be filled with peace, hope, and joy," said Simonic, switching to Chinese to say "Happy New Year".

Former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme also offered his sincere wishes for health and peace in the lunar new year.

"Dear Chinese friends, I wish you an excellent Chinese New Year. The Year of the Snake, the year 2025, should be a year with, from a personal point of view, a year as healthy as possible and with true happiness. Collectively for both of us, for all world citizens I would like to wish us a joyful but, above all, a peaceful year," he said.

World leaders send New Year greetings to Chinese people

South China's Guangdong Province is promoting bird-friendly netting in agricultural fields to protect migratory birds while safeguarding farmers' livelihoods.

Since the beginning of this month, nearly 130,000 migratory birds have arrived in Guangdong, using the region's farmlands, orchards, and fishponds as natural feeding grounds.

This has led to significant crop damage for local farmers.

"Sometimes, over 100 birds descend on our fields. They completely ruin the vegetable leaves, making them unfit for human consumption," said Zhong Jinchuan, a farmer from Huidong County in the province's Huizhou City.

As it is the peak season for winter vegetable planting, many farmers have erected simple anti-bird netting in their fields to protect their crops. However, these nets often pose serious risks to wildlife.

"Once erected, birds could only see the poles. The netting itself isn't always easily visible. If birds fly into it, their claws, feathers, and beaks can become entangled, causing them serious injury," said Li Yi, an official with the Forestry Bureau of Huizhou City.

Recognizing the challenge, local authorities have replaced these harmful nets with safe, bird-friendly alternatives. These new nets feature thicker cords and smaller mesh sizes, which deter birds without trapping them.

"This net uses thicker cords and has smaller mesh openings, so when birds hit it, their feet don't get caught. They just bounce off and fly away. Our vegetables stay safe, and the birds aren't harmed either," said Zhong.

Guangdong has also introduced policies to compensate farmers for crop losses caused by protected wildlife, including migratory birds.

Guangdong promotes bird-friendly netting to protect migratory birds, farm fields