Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

The rise of China is getting recognition worldwide. It has become the second largest economy, and the growth of its economic size is steady, smooth and sustainable, and expected to surpass the US in very near future. China has already surpassed rest of world in many area like, Education, Science and Technology, especially cutting-edge technologies like Telecommunication, High Speeded Trans, Construction Industry, Infrastructure, etc. It has been known as a world factory for its manufacturing capacity, and no other country can compete it in quality and price. 

China has also become a global power in the geopolitics, and playing positive, active and constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and developments in the entire world. Chinese global initiatives got rapid recognitions and admiration from all corners of the world. 

As a result, Chinese culture also got popularity in the rest of world, like Chinese food, art, songs, movies, dresses and entrainments. Chinese Gong-Fu and Tai-Qi-Quan is also getting people’s attention. Chinese Traditional Medicines are also becoming popular as an alternate medications in the Western World. 

Chinese Festivals also have attraction in many countries, the prominent are Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Kite Flying Festival, etc.

In December 2023, the 78th session of the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution officially listing the Chinese New Year, as a UN holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings, starting from 2024. Besides official speeches, the prelude to the Chinese Lunar New Year gala featured calligraphy and a lion dance by students from the Confucius Institute of the University of Nairobi.

The United Nations and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya hosted a prelude to the Chinese New Year gala in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, Wednesday, amid calls for strengthening cooperation to realize shared aspirations.

Co-hosted by the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the China Media Group, the event was attended by senior UN officials, diplomats and scholars.

For the first time, the Chinese New Year will be recognized as part of the UN holiday calendar, said Zainab Hawa Bangura, director-general of the United Nations Office in Nairobi. She expressed her hope that the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, would bring peace, joy, good health and prosperity to humanity.

Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said that the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival that falls on Feb. 10 this year, is one of the oldest traditional festivals in Chinese culture.

"It has been celebrated for more than 4,000 years by the Chinese nation. With the Spring Festival approaching, people get busy preparing traditional food and decorations for the festival," Zhou said.

The Spring Festival symbolizes joy, unity and prosperity, besides embodying the core values of harmony, love and peace in Chinese culture, he said, noting that the festival presents an opportunity to understand China and its people, as well as the Asian nation's economic vibrancy.

He added that it is a public holiday in almost 20 countries, celebrated by about one-fifth of humanity. Noting that traditional Lunar New Year activities are organized in nearly 200 countries and regions, Zhou said it has become a global cultural event.

Pakistan being the closest friend of China, its culture is much more visible after the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is economic main artery of Pakistan and instrumental dot its economic take-off. Under CPEC huge investment was made by China and many projects were launched, most of them have been completed, several are under the stage of execution, and many more are in the pipe line or in the design stage. Highly skilled work force has come from China to execute some of important projects. The number of Chinese nationals visiting Pakistan has enhanced tremendously during the last one decade, since the launch of CPEC.

More interaction with China has a visible cultural impact in Pakistani society. A number of Chinse restaurants are opened in various parts of the country. Like Lanzhou La Mian (Noddles), Hot Pot, Sweat and Sour Fish, Chicken Corn Soup, etc. Some of Chinese dishes become very popular in Pakistan. Even, a snack factory has introduced Sichuan favored Crips (Chips) for children. Chinese dresses are getting popularity. Chinese Sweet, Chinese Tea, Chinese diet, etc are also becoming common. 

At the occasion of Chinese New Year, many Chinese restaurants are decorated in Chinese Traditional Style and offering special offers and special dishes. Even, few of famous five star hotels are also offering Special Chinese Food to mark the festival. Chinese companies engaged in business in Pakistan are inviting locals and Chinese friends on the festival on traditional dinners. 

People of Pakistan are equally enjoying the New Year Festival with Chinese brothers and sisters equally. Availing this opportunity, we wish all Chinese friends a very happy new year, good health, prosperity and good luck. Long live China- Pakistan Traditional Friendship.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)