Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on February 11, 2019

应慕尼黑安全会议主席伊辛格邀请，中共中央政治局委员、中央外事工作委员会办公室主任杨洁篪将于2月15日至17日赴德国出席第55届慕尼黑安全会议。

　　慕尼黑安全会议是当前国际战略和安全领域的重要论坛之一。杨洁篪主任出席会议期间将发表主旨演讲，阐述中方对当前国际形势、多边主义、国际合作等重大问题的看法和主张。此外，杨洁篪主任还将同有关与会国家政要举行双边会见，同各方加强沟通交流。

At the invitation of Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, will travel to Germany for the 55th Munich Security Conference from February 15 to 17.

The Munich Security Conference is an important forum on international security policy. Director Yang Jiechi will deliver a keynote speech at the conference and elaborate on China's views and proposals on major issues such as the current international situation, multilateralism and international cooperation. Director Yang will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant senior officials attending the conference to strengthen communication and exchange with various sides.

　　问：我们看到，今年春节，外国领导人致贺中国农历新年的人数似乎比往年要多。俄罗斯总理梅德韦杰夫专门去中国驻俄罗斯使馆做客。此外，美国总统特朗普、菲律宾总统杜特尔特、英国首相特蕾莎·梅、日本首相安倍晋三、澳大利亚总理莫里森、新西兰总理阿德恩等多国领导人都以各种方式向中国人民致以新春祝福。中方对此有何评论？

　　答：对中国人来说，春节是最重要、最盛大、最喜庆的传统佳节，是万家团圆的日子，蕴含着中国人对家庭的重视，对和谐美好生活的向往。梅德韦杰夫总理春节期间专门到中国驻俄罗斯使馆做客并向中国人民表达节日祝贺，这生动体现了中俄全面战略协作伙伴关系的高水平和特殊性以及中俄两国和两国人民之间的深厚友谊，也为今年两国庆祝建交70周年开了个好头。我们相信，在双方共同努力下，中俄全面战略协作伙伴关系必将百尺竿头，更进一步。

Q: As we can see, there are more foreign leaders sending congratulatory messages for China's Lunar New Year than that in the previous year. The Russian Prime Minister Medvedev specifically visited the Chinese Embassy in Russia to mark this traditional festival. A number of world leaders including President Trump of the US, President Duterte of the Philippines, Prime Minister May of the UK, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand extended Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese people in various ways. What is your comment?

A: In China all families get together on Spring Festival as it is the most important, ceremonious and joyous of all traditional festivals for the Chinese. It symbolizes how much we cherish our family and aspire for a harmonious and prosperous life. During the Spring Festival, Prime Minister Medvedev visited the Chinese Embassy in Russia and extended best wishes to the Chinese people. This fully demonstrates the high-level and unique nature of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, and the deep friendship between our two countries and peoples. It marks a good start for this year's celebration of the 70th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties. We believe that with joint efforts from both sides, our comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination will be brought to a new height.

　　正如你刚才提到的，很多外国领导人都向中国人民表达了新春祝贺和祝福，并积极评价华侨华人为促进当地经济社会发展作出的重要贡献。我想这一方面反映出中国传统文化的影响力，另一方面也体现了各国对中国传统文化价值观念的认同，以及希望与中国进一步加强友好交流合作的积极意愿。

　　中国有句话叫“家和万事兴”，意思是家庭成员和睦相处，做事情就能顺顺利利。我想，“家和万事兴”的理念同样也适用于国与国之间的交往。国家之间相互尊重、求同存异、和谐相处，世界就能迎来和平发展、繁荣昌盛，这符合世界各国的利益，也是各国人民的共同愿望。在新的一年里，中方愿继续与世界各国一道，为建设一个更加美好、和谐、繁荣、和平的世界而加油努力。

As you said, during this Spring Festival, many foreign leaders extended congratulatory greetings and best wishes to the Chinese people, and delivered positive remarks on the important contributions made by Chinese communities to local economic and social development. I think it reflects not only the influence of traditional Chinese culture, but also other countries' recognition of traditional Chinese culture and ideals and their readiness to further friendly exchange and cooperation with China.

As the traditional Chinese proverb goes, "harmony in the family brings prosperity." When the family members live in harmony, they can do everything smoothly. I think this philosophy also applies to state-to-state relations. If countries can share mutual respect, seek common ground while reserving differences and co-exist in harmony, the world will enjoy peace, development and prosperity. It meets the common aspiration of all people and serves the interests of all countries. In the year ahead, China will continue to work with all countries to build a better, more harmonious, prosperous and peaceful world.