WILLEMSTAD – The Chinese Consulate General in Curaçao hosted a festive Spring Festival reception to mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse, bringing together members of the Chinese community, Curaçao’s political leadership and diplomatic corps for an evening of culture, reflection and forward-looking dialogue.
The celebration took place at Zeng’s Bar and Restaurant, where Zhang Kaibin, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, warmly welcomed guests on behalf of the Consulate. The entire consular staff was present for the event, underscoring its significance within the local diplomatic calendar.
Among the special guests were Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, Minister of Finance Charles Cooper, Minister of Justice Shalten Hato, and Minister of Public Health Tyron Boekhoudt, as well as several Members of Parliament. Their presence highlighted the close ties between the Chinese community and Curaçao’s public institutions.
The festivities opened with a traditional Dragon Dance, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity and renewal for the Lunar New Year. The performance set a vibrant tone for the evening and reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community on the island.
In his keynote remarks, Consul General Zhang extended New Year greetings to all attendees and emphasized that the Spring Festival is not only a cultural celebration, but also a moment to reaffirm shared values of unity, resilience and cooperation. He pointed to China’s recent economic achievements, noting that in 2025 the country successfully concluded its 14th Five-Year Plan, with total economic output reaching 140 trillion yuan and year-on-year GDP growth of five percent.
Zhang also referred to the adoption of the outline of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which sets out a strategic roadmap for the coming years, aimed at advancing modernization, promoting balanced development and achieving further progress toward long-term national goals.
Against a backdrop of global geopolitical tensions, the Consul General said China continues to advocate for a multipolar world order and inclusive economic globalization, guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. He expressed the Consulate’s openness to deeper engagement with the Dutch Caribbean and its willingness to support joint development and cooperation.
Zhang paid special tribute to overseas Chinese nationals, community organizations and Chinese-funded enterprises in the consular district, thanking them for their contributions to local development and for strengthening ties between China and Curaçao. He encouraged continued integration into local society and called on Chinese associations to maintain their role as bridges between cultures and regions.
Looking ahead, Zhang described the Year of the Horse as a symbol of progress, energy and success. He wished the Chinese community and all residents of Curaçao good fortune and happiness in the year ahead, expressed hope for the continued strengthening of China–Dutch Caribbean relations, and even extended best wishes to Curaçao’s national football team for success on the World Cup stage.
The Spring Festival reception served not only as a celebration of the Lunar New Year, but also as a reaffirmation of cultural exchange, mutual respect and the growing relationship between the Chinese community, the Consulate General and Curaçao’s government and society.
