Remarks by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Other International Organizations in Vienna Ambassador Li Song at the VIC Lunar New Year/Spring Festival[...]

（January 26, 2026)

Director General Mr. Müller, 
Deputy Director General Mr. LIU Hua, 
Secretary Ms. Joubin-Bret,
Dear colleagues, 
Ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to the Lunar New Year/Spring Festival Reception, jointly hosted by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations in Vienna and the UN Vienna Chinese Culture Club.

My daughter and many friends and colleagues told me that in recent weeks, a new trend has emerged on social media. As reported by WIRED magazine in the United States just ten days ago, "Everyone is feeling very Chinese these days." People are eagerly sharing posts about enjoying Chinese dim sum and hotpot, starting their mornings with a cup of hot water like many Chinese do, and proudly showing their friends that they managed to get one of Adidas' latest best-selling "Chinese Jacket," among other things. Chinese technology, Chinese brands, Chinese cities, and the healthy lifestyle trends emerging from ordinary people in China today are bringing sunshine and refreshing joy to the world in this cold winter.

I believe this year's Spring Festival will do the same. The Spring Festival is not only the most important traditional festival for China and some other Asian countries but also belongs to the entire world. Today happens to be the eighth day of the twelfth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which is also a traditional Chinese festival, the Laba Festival. On this day, it is customary to enjoy Laba porridge, made by simmering a mixture of grains and dried fruits, symbolizing the integration of diversity, family reunion, abundance, and good health. Laba marks the prelude to the Spring Festival-there is a Chinese saying: "After the Laba Festival, the Spring Festival is just around the corner." Today, we have prepared Laba porridge for everyone-be sure to give it a try!

Dear colleagues and friends,

At the beginning of 2026, divisions and turbulence have emerged one after another, causing deep concern across the international community. Where is the United Nations headed? This is a major question weighing on the minds of all Member States. Is the world really going to slide back into a jungle where the strong prey on the weak? A powerful voice is shouting in unison: NO! President Xi Jinping stressed that in today's world, changes unseen in a century are gathering pace, the international landscape is undergoing transformation and turbulence, and global challenges are becoming more pronounced. Division, confrontation, and zero-sum contests lead nowhere; it is unpopular to plunge the world again into the law of the jungle. Pursuing global solidarity and cooperation represents the only right path forward.

Following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which advocates five core concepts: adherence to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing true multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions. It is a Chinese proposal to make the global governance system more just and equitable, and a Chinese contribution to revitalizing the central role and leadership of the United Nations. A timely initiative that responds to the pressing needs of the world today, the GGI has gained immediate endorsement and support from over 150 countries and international organizations.

Today, China is forging ahead with unwavering resolve on the new journey of Chinese modernization. The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan are the blueprint for China's economic and social development over the next five years and will unlock a growing array of opportunities for the world. China will continue to embrace the world with open arms and provide greater certainty and new momentum for the world through its high-quality development. As the largest developing country and an important member of the Global South, China will always stand on the right side of history, offering positive, stable, healthy, and uplifting energy to the world. Together with all countries, China will promote global peace and development, advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Dear colleagues and friends,

The tide of the times surges forward, and peace and development remain unstoppable. Every winter has its spring. A new spring is marching toward us with unwavering steps, sounding the call for unity and progress at the United Nations. The Vienna multilateral platform has unique advantages and important missions in maintaining international peace and security and promoting international development cooperation. China stands ready to strengthen communication and collaboration with Vienna-based international organizations and all Member States. Together, we will remain steadfast defenders and contributors to the current international system, strengthen the authority and standing of the United Nations, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, advocate true multilateralism, vigorously push to refocus on the development agenda, enhance the representation and voice of the Global South, and make greater contributions to the UN's cause of peace and development.

Colleagues and friends,

The Year of the Horse symbolizes hope, vitality, and breakthroughs. With this, I would like to extend my most sincere Spring Festival greetings to colleagues from international organizations and permanent missions in Vienna, friends from all walks of life, and the Chinese international staff members in this building.

May Vienna's multilateral endeavors prosper, and may the Year of the Horse bring you and your family happiness and prosperity！

Thank you!