The video from Xinhua Global Service highlighted various American dignitaries sharing their well wishes while claiming that such efforts help to “build China-U.S. ties.” However, the video was released during a time when relations between the two nations remain tense.
In December, the U.S. announced it would initiate a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, following evidence that the country has committed “egregious” human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in its Xinjiang region. The Winter Games are set to kick off on February 4.
China has been accused of placing over one million people who identify as part of the Turkish Muslim minority into detainment camps in Xinjiang and condemning them to dangerous forced labor, sexual assault and various forms of torture.
In addition to human rights concerns, the U.S. has also recently clashed with China over the use of aggressive military tactics in the Taiwan Strait. China in turn has denied claims of abuse and has repeatedly warned the U.S. against meddling in what it deems to be its own national affairs.
Nonetheless, Xinhua Global Service shared a video message featuring praises from American officials ranging from Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito to education and cultural figures such as New York University President Andrew Hamilton and New York Philharmonic President Deborah Borda, as well as Business Council for International Understanding CEO Peter Tichanksky and former World Bank president Jim Yong Kim.
“U.S. governors, educators, scholars, artists as well as business people have highlighted wishes to build China-U.S. ties in the Year of the Tiger, while expressing their appreciation for the contributions made by the Chinese American community to the country,” the media company wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
Most of the well-wishes include statements hoping for “health and prosperity” for all those celebrating the start of a new year.
“I am delighted to wish you a very happy New Year. May this Year of the Tiger be filled with good health, prosperity and wisdom. We are proud to have such a vibrant piece of Chinese culture in Massachusetts, and I am grateful for our continued friendship and collaboration,” Polito said in her message.
“On behalf of the entire NYU family, let me wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year,” Hamilton stated, while Borda said, “From our entire New York Philharmonic family, we wish you a happy Year of the Tiger.”
Tichanksky said: “May the new year bring opportunities for us to work together, to build the infrastructure of a thriving world to facilitate relationships, partnerships and international understanding. Wishing all of you a year of happiness, health, peace and prosperity.”
The Lunar New Year, China’s biggest holiday, is celebrated internationally by billions of people who welcome the start of the fresh year. This year’s February 1 celebration marked the end of the Year of the Ox and welcomed the tiger as a symbol of strength, bravery and wisdom.
Celebrations of the Lunar New Year traditionally last two weeks, with the most prominent festivities taking place on the day before, and the day of, the start of the holiday. The holiday is also celebrated widely across other Asian countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, Mongolia and Korea.
Each year is represented by a different cycle of 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Those who are born in this cycle’s Year of the Tiger are thought to be brave, strong and competitive, as the tiger is seen as a dominating animal throughout many Asian countries.
Celebrities who were born in past cycles of the tiger include Bill Murray, Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga and Queen Elizabeth II.