Editor's Note: 

To celebrate the 2026 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse, the Global Times has invited a group of foreign ambassadors to China to share the symbolic meaning of the horse in their respective cultures. They also highlighted people-to-people exchanges between China and their homelands, and extended warm wishes to our readers.

Latvia: Without peace, nothing else is possible

Latvian Ambassador to China Kārlis Eihenbaums Photo: Courtesy of Ambassador Eihenbaums

Dear readers of the Global Times,

As we approach the Year of the Horse, I would like to wish everyone peace. Without peace, nothing else is possible. We must live up to the promise that nearly all nations made when we established the United Nations after the terrible crimes of the Second World War more than 80 years ago. It is time to take those lessons seriously. 

In Latvian mythology, the horse is not only a symbol of strength and freedom; it also holds an important place in spiritual and cultural beliefs. Deeply rooted in our traditions, horses are often seen as protectors and guides, offering reassurance in times of difficulty. The Latvian horse embodies loyalty, strength, wisdom, and bravery. Its connection to nature and the sun is particularly significant, and its role as a guardian spirit underscores its enduring meaning in Latvian culture.

Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Horse.

Seychelles: Embrace the spirit of community, kindness and hope

Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to China Anne Lafortune Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in China

As we approach the joyful celebration of the Chinese New Year, I would like to extend warm greetings on behalf of the Seychelles. This year, we welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, perseverance, and vitality. 

The Spring Festival is a time of reunion, reflection, and renewal. As families come together to share laughter, food, and cherished traditions, I wish you all to experience the warmth of love and happiness in abundance. 

In this new year, may you gallop towards your dreams with the courage and determination that the horse represents. Let us embrace the spirit of community, kindness, and hope, not only within our borders but across the globe. 

May the Year of the Horse bring you prosperity, good health, and endless joy. Happy Spring Festival!

Iran: It is not the horse that gallops, it is fortune and fate

Iranian Ambassador to China Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in China

I sincerely congratulate you, my wise and esteemed readers of the prestigious Global Times, on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. I wish all the people of this vast and beloved land of China years full of happiness, health, prosperity, and blessings.

Iran and China, as two great and ancient nations, have shared extensive and deep-rooted trade, economic, and cultural relations for over two thousand years thanks to the Silk Road, and have always stood by each other in friendship, solidarity, and cooperation.

I hope these relations continue to be strong and flourish in the coming year.

This year, the Year of the Horse, is a year of nobility, beauty, and strength, and the horse has long held a prestigious place in Iranian culture and mythology. There is a beautiful proverb in your language:

"When the horse arrives, success is achieved."

And an Iranian proverb says:

"It is not the horse that gallops, it is fortune and fate."

May your days, like the strength and speed of the horse, be filled with power, motivation, and success.

Türkiye: 2026 to bring dynamism to the Turkish-Chinese relations

Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador of Türkiye to China Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in China

Horses are an integral part of the Turkish nation's history and culture. In Turkish history, horses were the most important source of strength in their steppe life. They were considered to be companions and spiritual beings. 

The horse is an important image in both modern and classic Turkish literature. One of the most important poets of the 17th century, Nef'i depicted the noble horses under the Ottoman Sultan's patronage by identifying them as mythological beings similar to dragons and phoenixes.

Yahya Kemal Beyatlı and Faruk Nafiz Çamlıbel, who are known Turkish poets, associated horses with thunder, the rhythm of life and independence.

Turkic epics often feature heroes and their horses. The horse often represents loyalty, bravery and spiritual protection. Especially in the Tales of Dede Korkut, horses are far more than a means of transportation in Central Asia. They represent companionship and heroism. 

Today, you can visit Türkiye to see wild and free Yılkı horses in their natural environment in Cappadocia, also known as "the Land of Beautiful Horses" because of its ancient name. Although the region is associated with hot air balloon rides and iconic fairy chimneys, horse riding also offers a unique perspective of Cappadocia. Horses in Cappadocia represent one of the strongest features between Anatolia's ancient past and the broader traditions of Turkic culture.

This year, between February 14-20, the municipality of Cappadocia will be organizing special events on the occasion of the 2026 Chinese Horse Year.

The "Year of the Horse" also coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and China. I hope that this year will bring dynamism to the Turkish and Chinese relations.

Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan and China continue to strengthen comprehensive strategic partnership

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China Bunyad Huseynov Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in China

On the occasion of the Spring Festival, I extend my warm greetings to the Chinese people and Global Times readers. 

The Horse symbolizes energy, perseverance, and progress, values that reflect China's development and the spirit of expanding cooperation. Guided by the shared vision of our leaders, Azerbaijan and China continue to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, grounded in mutual respect and mutual benefit.

May the Spring Festival bring health, happiness, and prosperity to every family, and further strengthen the friendship between our two nations.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Slovak: Traditions, symbols help us understand the cultural background of our countries

Ambassador of Slovakia to China Milan Lajciak Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in China

I would like to address all readers of the Global Times with my sincere wishes for the coming Year of the Horse. 

Traditions and symbols help us to understand cultural background of our countries, the inclinations of our minds, our life preferences and values, our beliefs, as well as our relation to nature and people. 

I am happy that there is a growing tendency among the younger generations in Slovakia to learn about the richness of Chinese culture and its traditions. 

The connectivity with Zodiac symbolism is manifested in numerous ways, traditions and rituals around the world. 

In Slovak culture, the horse symbolizes strength, freedom, spiritual power, and protection. Rooted in Slavic mythology as a vehicle for the Sun God, in our culture, the horse is also linked to the underworld, dreams, and fortune-telling. 

Respecting cultural specifics and learning traditions of our countries, we create potential for better understanding of each other. Looking more for what we have in common than what we have different is the precursor for cooperation, prosperity and solidarity. 

Let the Year of the Horse bring to all of us enough strength and courage to jointly solve all challenges we will be facing this year. 

Rwanda: The Year of the Horse symbolizes speed, perseverance, vitality and freedom

Rwandan Ambassador to China James Kimonyo Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China

Dear Global Times readers,

Warm greetings from the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the People's Republic of China.

As the Chinese people welcome the joyous Spring Festival, I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to the people of China and to the readers of the Global Times. The Year of the Horse symbolizes speed, perseverance, vitality, and freedom and offers a meaningful moment to reflect on past achievements and to look ahead with confidence to a future of shared prosperity and deeper cooperation.

Rwanda and China maintain close and comprehensive relations across all sectors, which in recent years have been significantly strengthened and elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership has continued to grow from strength to strength, supported by close people-to-people exchanges between our two nations, to which the Global Times has contributed by fostering mutual understanding between our two peoples.

As we step into the new year, I wish the people of China peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Chunjie kuaile! Xinnian kuaile!

Viet Nam: Celebrating a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in China

Greetings to all distinguished readers of the Global Times,

Celebrating the Spring Festival is one of the most deep-rooted traditions shared by Viet Nam and China. For me, what makes the holiday - called "Tet" in Vietnamese - most meaningful is the spirit of reunion. Spring Festival offers an opportunity for everyone to return to their families, remember their roots, pay respect to their ancestors, and convey their best wishes for the year ahead. In the festive atmosphere, daily worries give way to the warmth of family reunions and friendly gatherings.

At this joyful moment, the people of Viet Nam and China are welcoming the Spring Festival against the backdrop of significant milestones in both countries. Viet Nam has just successfully convened the landmark 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

From my perspective, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the Viet Nam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance are now in their best period of development. Mutual political trust has been strengthened, pragmatic cooperation in various fields continues to deepen, and people-to-people exchanges have become ever closer. 

In the traditional Vietnamese culture, the horse is often associated with strength, resilience, loyalty, and lofty aspirations. When a galloping horse sets off, it symbolizes the beginning of a new journey and a readiness to overcome difficulties and challenges in pursuit of a better future. May you enjoy good health, happiness, and success. Let us believe in even greater achievements in Viet Nam-China cooperation and in ever closer ties between our two nations and peoples. 

Colombia: Cross the seas and continue moving closer together

Sergio Fausto Cabrera Cárdenas, ambassador of Colombia to China Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in China

As the ambassador of Colombia to the People's Republic of China, and on behalf of the government of Colombia led by Gustavo Petro, I would like to wish all the readers of the Global Times a very happy Chinese New Year 2026, the Year of the Horse.

We hope that during this new year our bilateral relations will grow and become even stronger, as never before in the history of Colombia and the People's Republic of China have our nations been so close.

In this way, we hope to increase our agricultural exports, especially coffee and lemons, as well as meat and other products.

We also want more Chinese companies, following the path of brands like Huawei, Sinovac, or Xiaomi, to invest in Colombia.

Additionally, we hope that many Chinese citizens will travel to our country and that young people will come to study the Spanish language and get to know our culture, which, through our most well-known artists, such as the writer Gabriel García Márquez, the painter Fernando Botero, or the singer Shakira, are so beloved in these lands.

I hope that this Year of the Horse will then be that of a winged horse that allows us to cross the seas and continue moving closer together.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Peru: Let the spirit of the Horse inspire us to continue advancing together

Ambassador of Peru to China Carlos Vasquez Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Peru in China

Distinguished friends, members of the Chinese community, and dear colleagues:

On behalf of the Embassy of Peru, it is my great honor to extend our warmest greetings as we celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. This special occasion, marked by renewal, family unity, and hope for the future, is also a meaningful moment to reflect on the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Peru and China.

For more than a century and a half, the Chinese community has been an essential part of Peru's national story. The arrival of Chinese migrants in the 19th century laid the foundation for a vibrant cultural exchange that continues to enrich our society. Today, Peru proudly recognizes the Chinese-Peruvian community as a key pillar of our national diversity and identity.

One of the most visible symbols of this connection is our gastronomy. The beloved "chifa" tradition - born from the encounter between Cantonese cooking and Peruvian ingredients - has become a culinary expression of friendship and coexistence. Chifa restaurants are found in every corner of our country, representing not only delicious food but also the spirit of cultural integration that defines Peru.

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, energy and determination, may this new cycle bring peace, health, and success to all. Let the spirit of the Horse inspire us to continue advancing together on the path of friendship and cooperation.

Happy Chinese New Year.

Mexico: Horse represents shared values in China and Mexico

Ambassador of Mexico to China Jesús Seade Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the United Mexican States in China

Dear readers of the Global Times,

Dà jiā hǎo! I am Jesús Seade, Ambassador of Mexico to China. 

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, I hope we can all embrace the spirit of this noble animal and channel its energy toward success and prosperity.

Much like in China, the horse has long been associated in Mexico with admirable qualities. Throughout our history, it has symbolized strength, courage, loyalty, and freedom. Today, horses remain an inseparable part of Mexico's history, culture, and national identity.

As a symbol of hard work and bravery, the horse plays a central role in Mexico's beautiful tradition of Charrería. In this equestrian art, a rider known as a Charro demonstrates his skill, strength, precision, and teamwork. The image of the Charro on horseback, dressed in a distinctive traditional outfit, has become one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of Mexican cultural heritage.

Horses also embody the spirit of freedom. They are deeply connected to the legacy of national heroes of the 1910 Mexican Revolution, who fought for social justice, and to this day, their powerful images on horseback remain carved in our collective memory.

Despite the vast distance that separates our two nations, the horse represents shared values in both China and Mexico: determination, perseverance, and the courage to move forward. 

As the Year of the Horse begins, I invite you to embrace these enduring qualities. I wish you and your families success, health, prosperity, and happiness.

Happy New Year! Xīn nián kuài lè! 


Global Times