As the Year of the Horse gallops into 2026, world leaders and international figures have sent a wave of Lunar New Year greetings to the Chinese mainland, underscoring the growing diplomatic and cultural connections between Asia and the global community.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the festival's role in strengthening bilateral ties, stating on social media: "The Spring Festival symbolizes renewal – may this spirit energize Germany-China cooperation." Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in deepening Pakistan-China collaboration.
Central Asian nations showed particular enthusiasm, with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledging to "enhance mutual support and international coordination" with Beijing. The International Olympic Committee added a sporting dimension to the celebrations, with President Kirsty Coventry praising Chinese athletes' "historic achievements" at the recent Winter Olympics in Italy.
Over 20 leaders from diverse regions joined the greetings, including:
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach
This outpouring of cultural diplomacy comes as cross-strait exchanges and Asia's global influence continue to expand in 2026.
