First of all, I would like to warmly welcome you all to tonight’s “Embracing the Chinese New Year” Spring Festival Reception, celebrating the arrival of the 2026 Year of the Horse.
The Spring Festival is the oldest, grandest, and most joyous festival for the Chinese people. It carries our aspiration for family reunion, harmony, prosperity and a deep sense of patriotism and familial devotion, also embodies our shared values, including the harmonious coexistence of people and nature. As a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, the Spring Festival provides an important window for the world to better understand China, and has become a celebration shared around the world.
Looking back at 2025, we journeyed through challenges. However, where mountains rose, we forged paths; where waters flowed, we spanned them with bridges. As we embark on the journey of Chinese modernisation in the new era, we have achieved remarkable outcomes. 2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan. Despite mounting economic pressure, China has pushed forward with innovation-led and high-quality development. Recently, “Becoming Chinese” “, living the China Vibe”, such as drinking hot water, having nourishing soups and congee, and practising traditional Chinese health exercises, have gone viral worldwide. It shows the warmth and wisdom of our culture, and has sparked a new wave of exchanges between China and the world.
As the international landscape underwent profound changes, historic moments unfolded and drew global attention. We solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and established the Taiwan Recovery Day. President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative, calling for a more just and equitable global governance system with a vision for the world, laying a solid foundation for world peace and stability.
Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, China-Australia relations advance further for sound development, with frequent highlights. President Xi held a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to China. Premier Li Qiang held the annual meeting with Prime Minister Albanese and met with him again during the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation. Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China successfully visited Australia. For 16 consecutive years, China has remained Australia’s largest trading partner, largest export destination, and largest source of imports. Chinese brands such as BYD, DJI and POP MART are increasingly favoured by Australian consumers, while high-quality Australian agricultural products, healthcare goods, and more are widely available in the Chinese market. There are now over one hundred and ninety thousand Chinese students studying in Australia. Last July, President Xi proposed to invite young Australians to visit China for exchanges and learning, and we are glad to see more than one thousand of them have already taken up the opportunity to experience China firsthand. Lately, China’s national cricket team is training in Sydney at Blacktown Sports Complex, and artists from Beijing have also come to Sydney to take part in Spring Festival events. They are with us at today’s reception, let’s welcome them together. In early March, China’s women’s national football team will play Asian Cup matches in Sydney, and we look forward to seeing you there to cheer them on.
Last December, the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, the Hon. Greg Piper, as well as state cabinet ministers, and MPs visited China. They experienced China’s dynamic development and rich culture, and this visit signals strong support for exchanges and cooperation between China and New South Wales across various fields.
Although Governor Beazley is not able to join us tonight, Her Excellency kindly sent a special message, wishing our reception every success and extending warm Chinese New Year greetings to all. Her Excellency expressed hope that, in the Year of the Horse, everyone will embody the energy, action, vitality, speed and perseverance symbolised by the Horse.
Last year at the Spring Festival reception, I said that I was eager to travel across New South Wales. To keep my promises, I visited more than 20 cities and towns of New South Wales—from the regional heartlands to the mountain and coastal areas, from mayors and councillors to media outlets and think tanks, from university campuses to farms and businesses—I met people, I engaged in conversations, and I made friends wherever I went. Along the journey, I have not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery but also felt the real vibe and huge potential for the development of sub-national exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia. Most of all, I have been touched by how strongly everyone here hopes to see our bilateral relations continue to grow and flourish.
With 120 direct flights a week between the Chinese mainland and Sydney, travelling to China has never been easier. This year, it is your turn to take advantage of China’s visa-free policy to explore its vibrant and diverse culture.
I’m really pleased to see that this year, tourists from all over the world are flocking to China to celebrate the Spring Festival and experience the festive vibe of the Chinese New Year. Flights, hotels and traditional culture experiences are seeing a surge in demand. Bookings from Korea are up by 95 per cent, those from Argentina have increased more than ninefold, from the Netherlands more than eightfold, and we are also seeing strong growth from many other countries.
My dear fellow Chinese compatriots, the advancement of China-Australia relations is only possible with your support and efforts. Every success is a testament to your dedication. Over the past year, Chinese businesses and enterprises in New South Wales have taken root locally, Chinese students have studied diligently, and the Chinese community has united wholeheartedly, making tireless contributions to China-Australia friendship. The Chinese Consulate-General has always upheld the guiding principle of “diplomacy for the people”, bearing in mind the well-being and safety of our compatriots. We remain committed to enhancing the efficiency of consular services and providing timely support to those in need.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolizes perseverance and resilience. In 2026, let us press ahead with the energy of a galloping horse, driving China-Australia relations to new heights.
May our friendship stride for a thousand miles, growing stronger step by step,
May our great motherland continue to prosper,
May everyone bear the vigour of the Horse, and achieve happiness, good health, and success in all endeavours!
Thank you!