On February 17, Consul General Li Nan attended and addressed the Chinese New Year Celebration held by the Confucius Institute at Ulster University at Belfast City Hall, Northern Ireland. Over 200 people were present, including Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr. Tracy Kelly, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ulster University Prof. Paul Seawright, Director of Europe Strategy Division and International Relations at the TEO Lynsey Moore, as well as teachers and students of the Confucius Institute were present.

Consul General Li extended New Year greetings to all guests and elaborated on the symbolic meaning of the Year of the Horse. He spoke highly of the important role of the Confucius Institute in promoting the Chinese language and Chinese culture. He stated that the Consulate General will continue to act as a bridge, facilitating people-to-people bonds and cultural exchanges, so as to advance the sound and steady development of China-UK relations from the regional level.

The event was held in a lively atmosphere. Teachers from the Confucius Institute and local schools presented wonderful performances, including instrumental music, Peking Opera, chorus, and face-changing. Consul General Li also presented certificates to the student winners of the Year of the Horse Poster Contest, encouraging young people in Northern Ireland to learn Chinese well and become young envoys of friendship between China and the UK/NI.