Lunar New Year: Global Leaders & Diplomats Extend Spring Festival Greetings to China

President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia extended New Year greetings to the people of China on Saturday, February 16th, specifically wishing them a happy Year of the Horse, according to a report from China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Simina delivered the message via a pre-recorded video, expressing his hope for continued advancement of shared goals and visions between the two nations. “新年好!” (Xin Nian Hao – Happy New Year!) Simina stated at the beginning of the video, as reported by both Xinhua and Tencent News. He further emphasized a “shared commitment to deepen the partnership” between Micronesia and China, calling for courage, wisdom, trust, determination, and a unified commitment to propel the bilateral relationship forward.

The gesture comes as China observes the Lunar New Year, a period of significant cultural and diplomatic importance. Simina’s message, according to the Xinhua report originating from Palikir, the capital of Micronesia, anticipates benefits and prosperity for both populations through continued collaboration.

The exchange of New Year greetings between leaders of Micronesia and China follows a state visit to Beijing by President Simina in April 2024, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During that meeting, Xi Jinping highlighted 35 years of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Xi likewise affirmed China’s support for Micronesia’s sovereignty and independent development path.

The Micronesian President’s New Year message is part of a broader wave of greetings extended to China from international leaders and organizations, as reported by CCTV News. Other leaders, including Slovenia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar and South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, also offered their congratulations.