Golden Dragon New Year: Chinese New Year Festival celebrated in Yangon

The 2024 Golden Dragon Chinese New Year Festival took place at the National Sports Stadium (1) Thuwunna in Yangon on Sunday, with the attendance of Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife.

The festival commenced with the pressing of a button by the Prime Minister and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Chen Hai. This was followed by the presentation of Golden Dragon figures to the Prime Minister and wife, as well as the Ambassador. The attendees later enjoyed performances of the Chinese Dragon Dance and entertainment troupes. The Prime Minister and party also toured around the Chinese traditional cultural booths and food stalls.

They also enjoyed a friendly Table Tennis Match between selected players of the Myanmar Table Tennis Federation and Chinese diplomats. The New Year Dinner then followed, with an Eye Dotting Ceremony where the Prime Minister and wife painted the Dragon’s Eyes according to Chinese tradition.

The Dragon and Lion Dance Troupes later performed the Golden Dragon New Year dance as a gesture of respect. In his greetings, the Prime Minister emphasized the strong relations between Myanmar and China since historical times, recognizing the establishment of the People’s Republic of China about one year and 9 months after Myanmar’s Independence.

Since then, Myanmar supports the One China Policy as a good neighbor. Myanmar also recognized the successful implementation of the Global Security Initiative by President Xi Jinping. The Prime Minister highlighted the fact that the two governments and people maintain good friendly relations through mutual understanding in line with the 5 principles of peaceful co-existence, seeking peaceful solutions for the rare encountered problems.

He added that China always stands as a good neighbor in terms of Myanmar affairs in successive eras in the face of the global arena. Myanmar is actively participating in combating cross-border crimes, drug smuggling, human trafficking, online games, and online scams that could harm regional security and economic development.

He expressed his belief in achieving progress in ensuring stability in border areas and development works through cooperative efforts between the two countries. Then, the Prime Minister and wife, and the Ambassador, exchanged New Year Commemorative Gifts.

The Chinese Ambassador also expressed thanks for the graceful presence of the Prime Minister and wished for achieving progress in the New Year. The attendees then enjoyed the serving of the New Year dinner, during which the Chinese cultural troupes and artistes from the Myawady Cultural Troupe entertained with Chinese traditional songs and dances. Winners of the friendly Table Tennis Match were presented with prizes during the ceremony.