Ambassador Yang first extended his holiday greetings to the guests. By introducing the origins and cultural connotations of the Lantern Festival as well as its various folk customs, he pointed out that with the growing influence of China's reform and opening up, as well as the waves of globalization and information technology, Lantern Festival celebrations—characterized by "viewing lanterns, solving lantern riddles, and eating tangyuan"—are reaching beyond China's borders, bringing joy and auspiciousness to the world and becoming a symbol of Chinese harmonious culture.
Ambassador Yang spoke positively of the strong momentum in cultural and educational cooperation between China and Latvia in recent years. He expressed special gratitude to the Latvian Sinology and martial arts communities for their diligent efforts over the years in promoting friendly exchanges between the two countries. He encouraged young Latvian students to actively sign up for this year's new "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition in the Latvia division, hoping they would have the opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand in China and realize their own "Chinese Dream."
The reception venue was decorated with lanterns and streamers. In a festive, peaceful, and relaxed atmosphere, Chinese teachers and students sang songs such as "Selling Tangyuan" in clear and standard Chinese, and performed poetry recitations, Chinese kung fu, and lion dances, winning rounds of applause from the audience. Guests also participated with great interest in the lantern riddle contest and Chinese food tasting activities.
Latvia is the first country in the Baltic region to establish and promote Chinese language teaching. To date, more than 2,000 people are learning Chinese or practicing Chinese martial arts, with 12 Chinese language teaching centers in universities and secondary schools and 10 Chinese martial arts clubs currently in operation.
