Guests attend the 2026 New Year Gathering for International Friends in China, which is hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]
The 2026 New Year Gathering for International Friends in China was held in Beijing on Wednesday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Year of Horse.
The event was hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
Relatives of the older generation of international friends, diplomatic envoys to China and friends from international organizations, chambers of commerce, friendship associations, media, think tanks, youth groups and other sectors attended the event.
Also present were representatives from relevant Chinese ministries, universities and local authorities.
Guests enjoy a traditional Chinese arts performance at the 2026 New Year Gathering for International Friends in China in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]
"In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes striving and progress," said Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
"We cherish a deep sense of gratitude to friends from all countries for their invaluable contributions to the cause of China's revolution, construction and reform over the years, as well as their sincere friendship with the Chinese people," he said when addressing the event.
Mark Henry Rowswell, also known as Dashan, from Canada recites a piece of classical Chinese poetry at the event. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]
The CPAFCC is ready to work with all its international friends to "stay true to its original aspirations and join hands as inheritors of historical memories", Yang said.
The CPAFCC wants to tell the touching stories of the older generation of international friends who stood with the Chinese people through thick and thin, shared weal and woe and strove side-by-side, in a tribute to their spirit of internationalism, Yang added.
"Together, let us forge ahead to carry forward and develop the cause of people-to-people friendship, enhance mutual understanding and affinity between the Chinese people and the people of other countries, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity," he said.
zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
