On February 5, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Australia hosted the Chinese New Year Reception and Concert at the Canberra Theatre. More than 200 people attended the event, including Ambassador Xiao Qian, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney Ricky Chong, representatives from all walks of life in Australia and members of diplomatic corps in Australia.

Ambassador Xiao Qian extended his New Year greetings to the guests, emphasizing that the Spring Festival originated from China, but is being shared by people all over the world. The recent successful inscription of the Chinese Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further enhanced its global significance. The cultural exchange is an important part of China-Australia bilateral relations. Over the past decades, the two countries have maintained close people-to-people exchanges and frequent cultural and artistic interactions. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Australian side to continue strengthening cultural exchanges and fostering mutual understanding, promoting further development in bilateral relations.

The reception was filled with a festive and warm atmosphere. Guests enthusiastically participated in traditional Chinese cultural activities such as calligraphy and pitch-pot game. Following the reception, Chinese and Australian guests enjoyed a captivating performance by the Hong Kong String Orchestra. Guests gathered together in the lively spirit of the Chinese New Year, jointly wishing for the steady and sustainable progress of China-Australia relations.