World leaders convey Spring Festival greetings, stressing relations with China

BEIJING - The 2019 Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday. Many world leaders conveyed their best wishes to China and all the Chinese around the world were gearing up for celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival.

Besides greeting "Happy New Year" in different languages, many leaders also emphasized the importance they attached to their countries' relations with China.

In Tokyo on Monday night, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "Happy Spring Festival" in Chinese in a video to mark the ceremony of decorating the landmark Tokyo Tower in red light, part of the New Year celebration.

Abe said last year was important in the history of Japan-China relations. The bilateral ties have returned to the normal track and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and himself officially visited each other's countries.

During the Spring Festival holidays, Japan is ready to welcome more Chinese friends and "I also hope that more Japanese citizens will go to China," building a colorful bridge of mutual exchange, Abe said, wishing that the Japan-China ties make more progress in the coming year.

US President Donald Trump also sent his greetings on Tuesday to those celebrating the Lunar New Year via a statement on the White House website.

"This is a sacred time for many people of Asian descent, and it is an opportunity for all Americans to honor the important contributions these communities have made to the story of American greatness," the statement said.

"As families, friends and loved ones gather to welcome the Year of the Pig, we join in sharing our best wishes for good health, prosperity and happiness," Trump said in the statement.