The Chinese Embassy in Germany and the Chinese Consulate General in Munich held receptions to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, featuring artistic performances and the display of the promotional video of China Media Group (CMG)'s Spring Festival Gala.
The Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 17 this year, is one of the most important holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck in the coming year, the Year of the Horse.
Watching the Spring Festival Gala on television is a cherished part of the celebrations in hundreds of millions of Chinese homes. The gala will be broadcast live around the world on the Chinese New Year's Eve on Feb 16.
At the two receptions, which were held, respectively, by the embassy on Wednesday and by the consulate general on Friday, Chinese ambassador to Germany Deng Hongbo and Chinese consul general in Munich Qiu Xuejun delivered speeches. They reflected on China's significant achievements over the past year and highlighted the progress of China-Germany exchanges and cooperation.
The two diplomats extended warm New Year greetings and best wishes to overseas Chinese, students, employees of Chinese-funded enterprises, and friends from all walks of life in Germany, while acknowledging their contributions in fostering China-Germany friendship and deepening stronger people-to-people ties.
The promotional video of the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala was screened at the receptions to add a festive atmosphere and boost cultural exchanges between the two countries. With the dynamic pacing and rich imagery, the promotional video blended traditional cultural elements with modern aesthetics, showcasing the innovative vitality of traditional culture in contemporary expression.
Performances by a troupe from central China's Hubei Province featured a variety of artistic forms, including dance, traditional opera, folk music, vocal performances, martial arts and magic shows. These programs integrated regional cultural elements, folk customs, and New Year's atmosphere, presenting the diverse charm and contemporary vitality of Chinese traditional culture.
The Deutsche Oper's male choir also performed a classic song at the embassy reception, sharing the stage with the Chinese programs. The interplay of Chinese and German artistic elements created a festive and lively atmosphere during the event.
Chinese embassy, consulate in Germany hold Spring Festival receptions
Chinese embassy, consulate in Germany hold Spring Festival receptions
Chinese investments are bringing new development opportunities to Hauts-de-France, a traditional industrial region in northern France, as local governments actively attract Chinese new energy enterprises to participate in the region's industrial transformation.
The Hauts-de-France region was once home to Griset, a copper processing company with a history of over 260 years and a pillar of France's metallurgical industry. Faced with global competition and fluctuations in metal prices, the company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy until its acquisition by TNMG, China's leading copper producer, enabled it to rise from the ashes under the name TG Griset. "Today, we have achieved our production target of 7,000 tons per year. This is a remarkable change compared to when we started back in 2016, when a small team of just 12 people launched operations. Now we have 70 employees, along with new projects, development prospects, and a future strategy. The group has also provided us with investment support," said David Derache, general manager of TG Griset.
Located nearly equidistant between Paris and London, as well as nearby the industrial heartlands of Western Europe, Hauts-de-France enjoys huge geographical advantages and a solid foundation in the automotive industry, with carmakers like Renault and Stellantis present. Official data shows that the region has drawn nearly 50 Chinese enterprises to invest and establish operations across sectors including automotive, energy, and chemicals.
Leading the charge the promotion of the region is Nord France Invest, which offers support to international companies and investors seeking to expand in Hauts-de-France.
"We go on a regular basis in China to meet with Chinese groups and, once again, to explain where we are, what we do, and how we can help them choose our region and make sure that we are the hub for them in Europe and the best gateway for Chinese investment here," said Yann Pitollet, CEO of Nord France Invest.
Beyond capital, Hauts-de-France values China's strengths in the new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing sector, particularly in batteries and materials. For this traditional industrial region, attracting Chinese enterprises is not only about drawing investment but also about the electrification transformation and the future development of its automotive industry.
"The best-selling electric vehicle in France today is a Renault car -- the Renault 5. It uses Chinese batteries, and these batteries are produced right here in the Hauts-de-France region. These modern examples -- whether in electric vehicle batteries, related investments, or the development of port industries -- show that these new industrial developments are significant for regions like ours," said Xavier Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France Regional Council.
China-France cooperation powers transformation of traditional French industries
