China Media Group (CMG) hosted the “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala: The World Watches the CMG Gala Together” event in New York City on Friday, Feb. 13. This was the third consecutive year of the event being held in Manhattan.

Around 300 guests, including diplomats to the United Nations, representatives of UN agencies, and friends from cultural, economic, and media sectors of China and the United States, participated in the gathering. CMG President Shen Haixiong and UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming delivered video remarks. Stephen A. Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations, and Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of China in New York, attended the event and delivered remarks.

CMG President Shen Haixiong noted that the CMG Spring Festival Gala, as the world’s most-watched annual cultural event, has been held for 43 consecutive years and has become a “spiritual Spring Festival reunion dinner” resonating with Chinese communities and audiences worldwide.

Last year, CMG collaborated with more than 3,100 media outlets across the globe through a multilingual, all-media international communication network, sharing the festive spirit of “appreciating the diversity of civilizations.” The gala has opened a window for global audiences to better understand traditional Chinese culture and the vitality of China in the new era.

This year’s gala, themed “Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable,” will incorporate innovations such as “5G+4K/8K+AI” and leverage CMG’s broadcasting capabilities in 85 languages to present a joyful and festive cultural celebration for audiences worldwide.

Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, expressed sincere appreciation for the Chinese people’s long-standing support for multilateralism, stressing that dialogue and cooperation remain essential to building a better future. She said Chinese media have been key partners in amplifying the United Nations’ work and values for audiences in China and beyond. She extended New Year greetings and noted that across cultures the horse symbolizes energy, resilience, and the spirit of moving forward, values that resonate with the United Nations’ mission to promote understanding, cooperation, and peace worldwide.

A video of New Year greetings from senior United Nations officials and China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, was also presented at the event. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Under-Secretary-General Abdulla Shahid, and Under-Secretary-General Gilles Michaud expressed hopes for peace, dignity, and shared prosperity in the Year of the Horse.

China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, extended New Year greetings, saying that over the past year, China has actively advanced the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative at the United Nations, practicing true multilateralism and playing a constructive role in addressing global challenges. He expressed hopes for peace, prosperity, and well-being in the Year of the Horse.

Stephen A. Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations, noted that in Chinese culture, the horse represents strength and progress. He expressed hope that ties between the two countries will continue to move forward steadily in the year of the horse.

Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of China in New York, thanked CMG for hosting the “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event in the United States. He said the highlights of the gala are shared globally through live streaming and short videos, allowing international audiences to experience the charm of Chinese culture and connecting people across the Pacific.

With the participation of a robot, representatives from CMG’s UN bureau and the New York Film Academy jointly launched the “Bright Future of Humanity" 2026 Global AI Film and Television Works Collection. The New York City Children’s Chorus and the U.S. National Youth Wushu Team delivered performances. Guests watched trailers for the Year of the Horse Spring Festival Gala and highlights from “Travel China Through Films,” while holographic displays showcased the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.

A fashion show featured robots and models presenting designs that blend classical and contemporary elements inspired by Chinese heritage. The event concluded with local Chinese youth choirs performing “My Chinese Heart.”