On the evening of January 30, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality jointly hosted the 2026 Spring Festival Reception for Foreign Journalists in China at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre. Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei attended and addressed the event. Zhao Weidong, Deputy Director General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee in charge of daily work, and Huang Yihua, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, among others, were present.
Hong Lei began his address by delivering Spring Festival greetings for the Year of the Horse to foreign journalists in China. He noted that 2025 was an extraordinary year, marked by accelerating changes unseen in a century, a turbulent and intertwined international landscape, and more prominent global challenges. Human society has once again come to a critical crossroads. China remains steadfast in its conviction of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and firmly stands on the right side of history. China provides certainty to the world through its own stability, offers new opportunities for the world through its opening up, and promotes the cause of human peace, development and progress through shouldering its responsibility. The year 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. China will remain resolute in breaking new ground for national rejuvenation and writing a new chapter of the well-being of humanity. China will continue to champion peace, promote cooperation, adapt to changes, uphold justice, and make greater contributions to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Hong said that foreign journalists serve as a bridge connecting China and the world, playing an important role in facilitating communication. He expressed the hope that journalists will provide in-depth and professional reporting from an objective and impartial perspective, telling the world the stories of Chinese modernization, as well as stories of mutually beneficial cooperation, common development, and a shared future between China and other countries. In doing so, they will play a positive role in promoting the friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.
The reception venue was beautifully decorated, radiating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Beijing’s 16 districts and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area all set up promotional stands to showcase their unique intangible cultural heritage crafts and distinctive cultural and creative products. About 700 attendees joined the reception, including foreign journalists in China and their families, press attachés at foreign embassies in China, spokespersons from relevant ministries, and domestic experts, scholars and media representatives.
After the reception, guests from various countries enjoyed the Year of the Horse Concert together.
