UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday extended his warm wishes for the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival. Guterres began his message in Mandarin: "Chun Jie Kuai Le! (Happy Spring Festival!) I am pleased to send you my warmest greetings as we begin the Year of the Tiger."

Guterres said the tiger denotes strength, vitality, courage, tenacity and boldness. "These are qualities we need as we face the unprecedented challenges of today," he said. He sent his gratitude to China and the Chinese people for their commitment for multilateralism and the United Nations.

Guterres also said he will attend the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The Olympic spirit shines as a beacon to human solidarity and "I look forward to a safe and successful Games," he said.