Xi congratulates Kim on election as general secretary of Workers' Party of Korea

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated Kim Jong Un on his election as the general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Kim was elected as the party's general secretary at the Ninth Congress of the WPK, the ruling party of the DPRK.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said since the Eighth Congress of the WPK held in 2021, the WPK Central Committee with General Secretary Kim Jong Un at its helm has led the DPRK people to strive hard and make new accomplishments continuously in the socialist construction.

It reflects the high trust and sincere support of the WPK, the government and the people for comrade Kim that he was elected as the general secretary again.

It is of great significance that the Ninth Congress of the WPK was successfully held when the cause of the party and the country entered a crucial stage that bridges the past and the future, Xi said, adding that he wishes the party and the people will take this congress as an opportunity to continuously make new advances in DPRK's socialist cause under the strong leadership of the WPK Central Committee with General Secretary Kim Jong Un at its helm.

Xi said as China and the DPRK are friendly neighboring socialist countries, bonded by solidarity and mutual assistance, it has always been an unwavering policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations.

Xi said in recent years, he has met with Kim on many occasions, effectively leading to the positive development of bilateral ties.

Noting that changes unseen in a century are unfolding across the world at a faster pace, and the international landscape is witnessing turbulence and transformation, Xi said he is ready to work with Kim to guide the relevant departments and local authorities of both sides to implement the important consensus they have reached and write a new chapter of China-DPRK friendship, so as to serve the socialist construction of the two countries, enhance the well-being and friendship of the two peoples, and make positive contributions to promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and even the rest of the world.

Xi congratulates Kim on election as general secretary of Workers' Party of Korea

A grand dragon and lion dance parade and fireworks shows were staged on Saturday in the Chinatown of The Hague, Netherlands, with nearly 10,000 locals celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments of gongs and drums, dragon and lion dance troupes in colorful costumes weaved through the bustling streets, attracting countless eyes, along with fireworks lit to add more luster to the most important Chinese festival.

Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen extended his best wishes for the Chinese New Year at the event, saying that the Chinese community in the city has built a bridge of understanding between the two peoples.

On Sunday, a cultural fair was also held in Suva, the capital of Fiji, to celebrate the Spring Festival. The event, themed "Happy Chinese New Year, Embracing the Chinese New Year," brought together thousands of Fijian Chinese, local residents, and international tourists to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse.

The event not only featured multiple cultural performances, but also included booths showcasing traditional handicrafts and folk cultures from both countries.

Interactive activities such as Chinese calligraphy workshops, paper-cutting lessons, and displays of Hanfu costumes -- a style of Han Chinese clothing worn more than 2,000 years ago, allowed the public to experience the charm of traditional Chinese art up close amid a strong festive atmosphere.

Netherlands, Fiji hold cultural events to celebrate Spring Festival