Political figures from across the globe have extended their heartfelt wishes to China and the Chinese people, expressing their hopes for happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Horse, which officially began on Tuesday.
Chinese people around the world are currently celebrating the Spring Festival, the most important annual holiday which marks the start of the Chinese new year, a cherished occasion which symbolizes family reunions and a time for renewal and new beginnings.
Well wishes have come from far and wide, including from the Pacific Island nations, with Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, conveying his warm greetings.
"On the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival, I am pleased to extend on behalf of the people and government of the Federated States of Micronesia, a warm greeting of camaraderie, and a happy Chinese New Year to President Xi Jinping, and to the people and government of the People's Republic of China," he said.
A promotional event for the China Media Group (CMG)'s 2026 Spring Festival Gala -- an hours-long annual TV extravaganza that is regarded as one of the fixtures of the festive celebrations on the eve of the Chinese New Year -- was held at the United Nations Headquarters on Friday.
It gathered some 300 attendees, including the UN deputy secretary-general and other representatives from various UN agencies and related sectors. Many recognized the importance of the Spring Festival as a cultural event and the messages of hope and the promise of a better future that it marks.
While hoping for greater global peace and prosperity, Samuel Zbogar, the Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN, acknowledged China’s significant leadership role in building a better world.
"Humanity should] try to bring more peace, more quiet and more progress to this world. And we see the role of China, it's very important for China to lead the way to that. Best wishes to the Chinese people for the upcoming year," said Zbogar, while also extending his best wishes to the Chinese people for the Year of the Horse.
Drawing on the symbolism of the horse, officials in South Africa offered their good wishes for the Chinese people to embrace the new year with courage and strength.
"We obviously are very, very mindful of the fact that this is a very auspicious time for our Chinese friends, and we wish them well into the new year," said John Steenhuisen, South Africa's Minister of Agriculture.
"This new year ushers in the year of the Fire Horse, a sign known for its energy, independence, and momentum. It is a powerful reminder of the value of courage, forward thinking, and the ability to move swiftly towards new opportunities. Today we celebrate alongside Chinese communities around the world, marking the Spring Festival, and the promise of new beginnings that come with this special time of the year," said Jordan Hill Lewis, the Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital.
In addition, officials in Indonesia sent in their New Year greetings, while also speaking some authentic Chinese.
"I wish everyone good health, continuous success and abundant wealth. I also wish you all a happy Chinese New Year. May you all be happy and joyful," said Irene Umar, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Creative Economy.
"Our Indonesian people have long been celebrating the Chinese New Year. We are very glad to celebrate the Spring Festival together. (switch to Chinese) May you have good fortune and success," said Arif Adi Kuswardono, program and news director of TVRI, one of Indonesia's national broadcasters.
In Brazil's Sao Paulo, a major cultural event featuring numerous Chinese elements was recently held ahead of the Spring Festival. Brazilian violinist Alejandro Aldana expressed his best New Year regards on the sidelines of the gathering.
"I wish all the Chinese people around the world and those who appreciate Chinese culture a happy Spring Festival," said Aldana, before adding a special new year greeting in Chinese.
Global political figures extend warm wishes for Spring Festival
