To celebrate the 2021 Lunar New Year--the Year of the Ox, Consul General Zhang Ping, through a video message, extended warm festive greetings and best wishes to members of the Chinese community, Chinese students and company staff.

The following U.S officials also sent their greetings:

David Ige, Governor of the State Of Hawaii; Judy Chu, U.S. Congresswoman; Kathryn Barger, Supervisor of Los Angeles County; Kate Gallego, Mayor of the City of Phoenix; Nina L. Hachigian, Deputy Mayor of the City of Los Angeles.

Video: Messages from Consul General Zhang Ping and U.S. officials

Consul General Zhang Ping's 2021 Lunar New Year message (In translation):

The sound of firecrackers announces the passing of the old year and the spring breeze sends warmth to every household.

2021 Lunar New Year is coming soon. I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, warm festive greetings and best wishes to all members of the Chinese community, Chinese students and company staff.

2020 was an extraordinary year. In face of profound changes unseen in a century and the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic, under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people, united as one, have been striving forward against all odds. China has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development as well as the pandemic prevention and control. China emerged as the first major country to register positive growth. For the first time, its GDP in 2020 exceeded the 100-trillion-yuan threshold. China's economic, scientific and comprehensive strengths and people's livelihood have stepped up to a new big level. The realization of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects is in sight. These are hard-won achievements that we have good reason to take pride of.

Over the past year, COVID-19 has been wreaking havoc throughout the US. China-US relations have encountered serious difficulties. Friends from the Chinese community, and Chinese students and companies have stood fast against the pandemic and come together to get through thick and thin in times of difficulties, demonstrating strong resilience, tenacity and courage.

We will never forget the invaluable support from the Chinese community, students and companies when China was fighting hard against the epidemic. Your care, compassion and empathy warm our hearts.

"Past a fallen ship, one thousand sail onward; for a sick tree, ten thousand thrive by spring". Although the pandemic is still raging, we believe no winter lasts forever, every spring is sure to follow. We sincerely hope that the new year's firecrackers will dispel the gloom of the pandemic, and bring our life and work back to normal in the near future.I hope everyone takes good care and stays safe.

2021 is of great significance in China's development. It will mark the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China and start a new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country. We will continue to work hard to create history and strive for accomplishments for a bright future and forge ahead toward the goal of realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

In the new year, China-US relations face both opportunities and challenges. Adhering to the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, we will work with the US side to engage in cooperation, while properly managing the differences and to push forward a sound and steady growth of China-US relations.

The Chinese Consulate General will continue to promote sub-national exchanges and cooperation between our two countries and strengthen the understanding and friendship between our two peoples.

We will uphold the notion of "diplomacy for the people" and continue to provide better consular services for those in need. I look forward to your continued care and support for China-US relations, and together we make joint efforts to bring the bilateral relations back to the right track. Let's remain committed and work hand in hand to embrace the new start.

May the Year of the Ox bring good fortune, good health, and great happiness to you and your families.