Many foreign leaders have extended good wishes to Chinese people, for Spring Festival. British Prime Minister, David Cameron, looked to the new year ahead, stressing the strong partnership between the UK and China. The president of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, also expressed his best wishes, after visiting the "Two Empires" art exhibition in Rome, part of the celebrations for Chinese Culture Year, in Italy.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said, "I want to send my best wishes to people in China, the UK and around the world who are celebrating the Chinese New Year. This is not just a time for a great celebration, with firecrackers and fireworks, lion dances and great food……it’s a time for friends and family, for new beginnings and old wisdom, for hope and optimism.

When I visited Beijing last year, with the largest ever delegation of UK Cabinet Ministers, I called for the UK and China to be ‘Partners in Growth’…….with more investment and economic co-operation between our two countries.Back home, I pay tribute to the Chinese community in Britain and the enormous contribution that they make to our country.

So I hope you have a great celebration and wish you all a prosperous and peaceful year."

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said, "China is a friend to Italy, and a great country on today's world stage. I wish all Chinese citizens the very best, and warm wishes. Happy new year! "