Message of the Year of the Horse: Inspiring Courage, Unity, and Perseverance in China’s Development Journey

Kathmandu, February 20 — With the arrival of the Year of the Horse in February 2026, China is preparing to launch its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). In his New Year message, President Xi Jinping called upon the entire nation to “move forward with the courage, vitality, and energy of a horse,” giving this new journey profound cultural meaning and dynamism.

As a spiritual symbol with thousands of years of history in Chinese civilization, the horse is now intertwined with the contemporary national narrative, reflecting a unique blend of historical depth and modern relevance.

In the hearts of the Chinese people, the horse has always held a special place. It is revered not only as a loyal companion but also as a symbol of self-improvement and a pioneering spirit. Whether in the dynamism of the “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow” bronze sculpture from the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD), or the loyalty and heroism depicted in the “Six Steeds of Zhaoling” stone reliefs of the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the image of the horse has, through the ages, transcended its physical form.

Through the spirit of the “dragon-horse” — a metaphor for vigorous progress — the horse has become a symbol of national character. Its essence can be summarized in three dimensions: the courage to forge ahead, the collective strength of unity, and the resilience of practical and diligent hard work.

The arrival of the Year of the Horse comes at a crucial moment for the next stage of China’s development. Throughout history, horses facilitated civilizational exchange and national integration in China. Today, the country must embrace the qualities embodied by the horse to overcome modern challenges. From achieving self-reliance and strength in science and technology, to promoting common prosperity; from advancing green transformation to contributing to global governance — every endeavor requires the courage, vitality, and energy that the horse represents.

Standing at the starting line of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China now faces the challenge of transforming cultural symbolism into concrete action. By integrating individual efforts into the broader current of national development — harnessing the pioneering spirit of the lead horse, the collective strength of tens of thousands of galloping steeds, and the indomitable resilience of the tireless horse — China can ensure a strong start to the next five years and stride forward with renewed momentum on the journey toward national rejuvenation.