Fire Horse Year celebrated in Chisinau with reception hosted by Embassy of People’s Republic of China

New Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Moldova Dong Zhihua has presented her priorities for the mandate and reaffirmed China’s support for the development of Moldova during an official reception dedicated to the 2026 Chinese New Year and the assumption of her diplomatic post.

The event took place in Chisinau today evening, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi, Moldovan officials, the diplomatic corps and representatives of the business, academic and cultural communities.

In her speech, Ambassador Dong Zhihua emphasized the significance of the Lunar Year of the Horse, which will begin on 17 February 2026. She noted that it symbolized “dynamism, resilience, and forward momentum,” values that China associates with its external cooperation.

“To begin a new chapter of service in such a vibrant year is both an honor and a deep responsibility,” the diplomat said.

The ambassador also said that, in the 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the cooperation between China and Moldova had developed steadily, regardless of the international context.

“The facts fully prove that Moldova and China are true friends, who respect each other and support each other on matters related to sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Dong Zhihua.

According to her, China supports Moldova’s choice regarding its development path and is ready to continue providing assistance for the country’s economic and social development and for improving the people’s living standards.

Over the past year, bilateral cooperation has recorded tangible progress. The two states have signed sanitary and phytosanitary protocols that allow the export of flour from grape seeds and sunflower seeds from Moldova to the Chinese market. China has become Moldova’s second-largest trading partner and Beijing encourages Chinese investment on the Moldovan market.

In addition, the third phase of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center project in Moldova was launched, and 296 Moldovan specialists took part in training programmes in China, a record number according to the ambassador.

In the field of education, Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun paid an official visit to China, where an agreement on cooperation for Chinese language teaching was signed.

“Seeing more and more young Moldovans learning the Chinese language fills me with confidence and hope for the future of our friendship,” Dong Zhihua said.

Referring to the international context, the ambassador reiterated Beijing’s official position on the peaceful settlement of conflicts.

“Division and confrontation have no future. Global solidarity and cooperation are the only correct choices,” the diplomat said.

She stressed that China supported all peace efforts and is ready to work with the international community to reach “fair and lasting” agreements.

The ambassador invited Moldova to participate actively in China’s economic initiatives, including the programme, Big Market for All: Export to China and the China International Import Expo, which will take place in in Shanghai in November 2026.

“To believe in China means to believe in a better tomorrow. To embrace China means to embrace the future,” Dong Zhihua emphasized.

In conclusion, the Chinese ambassador said she would maintain an active dialogue with the Moldovan authorities and society, in order to the deepen bilateral cooperation.

“Sustainable cooperation depends, above all, on mutual trust,” Dong Zhihua underlined.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi congratulated Ambassador Dong Zhihua on the beginning of her diplomatic mission in Moldova, noting the symbolic character of organizing the first official cultural reception immediately after her accreditation.

“We wish you much success in your mandate in Chisinau and we look forward to open, constructive and pragmatic cooperation throughout your mandate,” said Mihai Popsoi.

The official highlighted the significance of the Lunar Year of the Fire Horse, described as a symbol of “energy, determination, and forward movement,” values that, according to him, are also found in the spirit of diplomacy.

“It is a moment associated with renewal, balance and reflection, but also with confidence in the future and continuity of one’s own path. These are values that strongly resonate with the way states build long-term relations,” said the foreign affairs minister.

According to the minister, the diplomatic relations between Moldova and China have a history of more than 30 years and have constantly been based on mutual respect, dialogue and observance of the fundamental principles of international law.

“Our countries consistently respect each other’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, an essential basis for trust, stability and predictability in bilateral relations,” the Moldovan official stressed.

He pointed out the importance of regular political dialogue, which has helped strengthen mutual understanding and develop cooperation in more areas.

Mihai Popsoi noted that economic relations represented one of the most dynamic components of the bilateral cooperation. He recalled a green energy project carried out with Chinese support, which paved the way for further initiatives in the field of renewable energy.

“This experience has contributed to the diversification and sustainability of Moldova’s energy sector,” the minister stated.

At the same time, the country expresses interest in expanding trade exchanges and enhancing the presence of Moldovan products on the Chinese market.

In his speech, the deputy prime minister welcomed the development of cooperation in other areas as well, such as culture, education, information technology and agriculture, noting that these exchanges bring citizens closer together and foster better mutual understanding.

“Diplomacy is built on trust, consistency, and respect. In this spirit, Moldova approaches its relations with China,” concluded Mihai Popsoi, expressing his conviction that sustained dialogue will bring concrete benefits to both peoples.

During the reception, a commemorative stamp dedicated to the Year of the Horse was also launched, created by Moldovan artist Natalia Sattarova in collaboration with Posta Moldovei (Moldova’s Post). This is the third consecutive year in which the two sides issue joint zodiac stamps, considered by the embassy as a symbol of friendship between the two peoples.

The diplomatic relations between Moldova and the People’s Republic of China were established on 30 January 1992.

2026 – Fire Horse Year

The Chinese New Year, traditionally celebrated according to the lunar calendar, starts on 17 February 2026. The Year of the Fire Horse appears once every 60 years and is associated with strong energy, a desire for freedom, swift action and accelerated progress. Astrologers, however, warn that impulsiveness and haste can also bring risks.

The dominant element of the year is Fire. This means that sectors linked to technology, energy, the internet, advertising, beauty, interior design, gastronomy, restaurants and public speaking will have an advantage. By contrast, industries associated with Wood, we well as the education, culture, medicine, agriculture, or social services, may face a more challenging year.

Astrologers say that people born in the years of the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Dog, and Goat can expect clear progress. Those born in the years of the Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Ox, and Pig are advised to stay grounded and cautious. For those born in the years of the Horse and the Rat, luck may fluctuate and vigilance is essential.