Int'l leaders, political figures extend Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people

As the Spring Festival approaches, leaders of international organizations and global political figures have extended warm wishes to the Chinese people, expressing hopes for happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.

Falling on Tuesday this year, the Spring Festival marks the start of the Chinese New Year and ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac.

Drawing on the symbolism of the horse, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon shared optimism about making strides together in the year ahead.

"On the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Xi Jinping. The Year of the Horse embodies fervent strength and an enterprising spirit. I wish the great and friendly Chinese people peace, tranquility and continued progress in the year ahead," he said.

Meanwhile, a Chinese New Year celebration themed "Galloping Forward with the United Nations" was held at the UN Headquarters on Feb 9, gathering representatives to the UN from more than 120 countries, and over 500 guests from various sectors in the eastern United States.

"I wish all the most wonderful things for the people of China in the Year of the Horse. And I hope that we all work together towards making this world a better place for everyone," said Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.

Additionally, the Chinese Embassy in Canada held its Spring Festival reception in Ottawa on Feb 10. More than 200 people attended the event, including Canadian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Kody Blois, Senator Clement Gignac, Member of Parliament Zoe Royer, and representatives of Chinese communities, organizations and students in Canada.

"I want to wish everyone back in China a happy New Year, all the best. And we look forward to our continued bilateral relationship and the warming of relations between our two countries," said Blois.

Meanwhile, a concert marking the Spring Festival was held Thursday in Vientiane, capital of Laos, drawing more than 1,000 people from various sectors.

Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao president, attended the event together with representatives from political, economic and cultural circles.

During the concert, a selection of classic Chinese and Lao musical pieces was performed in turn, showcasing the artistic charm of both countries. The performances were met with warm applause from the audience.

Int'l leaders, political figures extend Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people

African leaders at the recently-concluded 39th African Union (AU) Summit hailed China's landmark zero-tariff policy for 53 partner nations as a "win-win situation" that could accelerate continental trade and development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the summit, in which Xi announced that China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1, 2026. He also highlighted efforts to upgrade the "green channel" for African exports.

The announcement drew strong endorsements from senior AU representatives, who underscored China's role as Africa's largest investor and a critical trade partner.

"China is a very important trading partner to Africa and also a huge investor in Africa, especially critical areas like infrastructure. So we welcome that and I think this will also hopefully encourage other partners of Africa to also introduce zero tariff for African products," said Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson for the AU Commission Chairperson.

Other voices at the summit stressed the broader significance of China's engagement with Africa, pointing to its role in infrastructure and the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The Chinese relationship with Africa is very strong and the Chinese presence in the continent on all levels, especially with the Belt and Road Initiative, with the infrastructure development of Africa is making a difference to us on the continent. Having the zero tariff is like a great stride because now if we see what China has announced, together with the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area), that will make a huge difference for the African development, and this is what we're talking about. It's a win-win situation," said Ambassador Namira Negm, director of the African Migration Observatory.

The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) opened Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

During the two-day summit, African leaders focused their discussions on pressing issues including peace and security challenges on the continent, the AU's institutional reforms, participation in the G20, and implementation of Agenda 2063 at an accelerated pace.

In a closing press conference, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated a zero-tolerance stance against unconstitutional changes of government and emphasized the AU's commitment to its flagship initiative, "Silencing the Guns."

AU Summit hails China's landmark zero-tariff policy as "win-win" for Africa