Chinese president extends Lunar New Year greetings

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a winter Nadam Fair in Xilin Gol grassland, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, ahead of the upcoming Chinese lunar new year. Xi paid a visit to Inner Mongolia recently and extended lunar new year greetings to people of all ethnic groups, compatriots from Hongkong, Macao and Taiwan, and all overseas Chinese. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

President Xi Jinping has extended Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese people at home and abroad ahead of the traditional Spring Festival, which falls on Friday.

Xi sent greetings to Chinese of all ethnic groups, both in China and overseas, and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan while extending his wishes to local herdsmen in Xilingol League in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

"I wish good health, happiness for you and your families and may all go well with you," Xi said.

Xi said that he hopes the Chinese will continue to work hard and strive for prosperity and a better life.