On February 5, the Confucius Institute at Ulster University hosted a grand Chinese New Year celebration at Belfast City Hall. Consul General Li Nan was invited to attend and deliver a speech. The event brought together more than 200 guests, including the Lord Mayor Micky Murray, Ulster University Provost Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Ulster University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Paul Seawright, TEO Permanent Secretary David Malcolm, as well as faculty and students from the Confucius Institute.

In his speech, Consul General Li extended his New Year greetings and expressed gratitude for the attendees’ efforts in fostering long-term, mutually beneficial ties between China and Northern Ireland. He emphasized that in the coming year, the Chinese Consulate General will continue to advance cooperation by embracing China’s modernization, sharing opportunities, and promoting joint development, so as to strengthen bonds with all sectors in Northern Ireland.

The celebration featured a lively and festive atmosphere, with captivating performances of acrobatics, martial arts, and choir by performers from the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe, the Confucius Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine at London South Bank University, and local students and teachers. During the event, Consul General Li also sat down for an exclusive interview with Northern Ireland’s mainstream media outlet UTV, where he discussed the cultural significance of the Spring Festival, explored prospects for bilateral cooperation, and addressed key topics of interest.