Chinese embassies worldwide host receptions to celebrate Spring Festival, deepen cultural ties

To celebrate the Year of the Snake, Chinese embassies worldwide hosted vibrant Spring Festival receptions, bringing together local dignitaries, business leaders, overseas Chinese, and representatives from various sectors to mark the occasion and strengthen cultural ties.

In Budapest, the Chinese Embassy in Hungary hosted a Spring Festival reception on January 24, welcoming over 600 guests.

The evening featured captivating performances by the Jiangnan Sizhu Orchestra from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, which played traditional Chinese pieces like "The Dance of the Golden Snake" and "The Melody of Plum Blossoms," capturing the essence of the Spring Festival's spirit of renewal and hope.

"I think it is very fitting for Chinese President Xi Jinping to compare Hungary-China relations to Hungarian Tokaji wine -- fragrant and enduring. I wish all Chinese people happiness, success, and good health," said Hungarian Minister of Culture and Innovation Balazs Hanko after the reception.

At the Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan, guests experienced the festive spirit through vibrant dragon and lion dances, accompanied by lively folk music performances.

The Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan hosted a Spring Festival reception on January 21, where guests enjoyed magnificent symphony and dance performances.

"The Spring Festival symbolizes unity and prosperity, and we are delighted to witness the remarkable achievements China has made," said Daniyar Amangeldiev, first deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Honduras welcomed numerous Honduran politicians, diplomatic envoys from various countries, and guests from all walks of life.

"We are very happy to participate in this reception, and it is a wonderful experience to share these traditions with our friends at the Chinese Embassy," said Honduran Vice President Doris Gutierrez.

At the Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, guests enjoyed a variety of captivating performances and activities, including an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, Bian Lian (face-changing), the Five Animal Play, and traditional folk dances. The event brought attendees together to immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty of Chinese culture.

Chinese embassies in Serbia, Kuwait, Belgium, Denmark, Nicaragua, and other countries also hosted Spring Festival receptions, welcoming government officials, diplomats, business leaders, overseas Chinese, and international students.

This year, the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year's Day, fell on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake and marking the first New Year since the festival was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Chinese embassies worldwide host receptions to celebrate Spring Festival, deepen cultural ties

The U.S. decision to impose a 15 percent global tariff has cast more confusion and uncertainty for businesses and consumers, according to financial analysts.

U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday morning in a 6-3 vote that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policy under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was illegal.

Infuriated by the ruling, Trump signed an order imposing a 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries hours later. Then on Saturday he said that he will raise the new global tariff to 15 percent.

The White House said the new levy is being imposed to address "fundamental international payment problems," adding that it will stay in effect for 150 days under a section of the Trade Act of 1974.

Certain products will be exempt from that levy - including some critical minerals, beef and tomatoes. The Trump administration also said it's considering other legal avenues to impose duties.

While the Supreme Court deemed many of Trump's tariffs illegal, it did not specify a means to pursue refunds, instead leaving that issue to lower courts. That could mean protracted legal wrangling for years for U.S. importers and uncertainty over if and how consumers will see any benefit.

"I would caution consumers, business owners, from assuming that this is going to have an immediate benefit, that this is going to cause immediate lower prices. That isn't likely. What this really does is, again, cause a lot more uncertainty，" said Stephen Kates, senior financial analyst with Bankrate, a consumer financial services company based in New York City.

Trump tariffs cast more uncertainty for businesses, consumers: analyst