China is time-tested friend of Pakistan: Umar Rehman Malik

Abdullah Jan

Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Umar Rehman Malik this week said that China is a time-tested friend of Pakistan.

“Heartfelt wishes to the great people of China for a prosperous and joyous New Year 2025. As we step into the Year of the Snake, may this year bring blessings of success, harmony, and well-being to your nation,” he posted on X.

Thw PPP leader added: “Pakistan greatly values its time-tested friendship with China and looks forward to 2025 as a year where our Pak-China relations will be further strengthened, paving the way for greater cooperation, mutual prosperity, and shared progress.”

Lunar New Year — which includes Chinese New Year, Seollal in Korea, Tet in Vietnam and more — began on January 29, kicking off more than two weeks of parties, customs and copious feasts.

The holiday, also known as the Spring Festival, celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a fresh year based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

More specifically, this year is that of the wood snake, with the wood element holding profound meaning across the three major organized Chinese religions. In Daoism, the wood is a sign of returning to one’s natural state or true nature, while in Confucianism it symbolizes becoming a more polished person. In Buddhism, it’s associated with letting go for growth.

The positive qualities attached to the snake are anchored in two folklore tales, Lee explained. In the story of the creation of the Chinese zodiac, the snake was once a four-legged, happy creature who became angry after other animals isolated him because of his appearance. Blaming the Jade Emperor for creating him that way, the snake’s anger morphed into physiological changes, like growing fangs, and prompted him to snap at the other creatures.

Word reached the Jade Emperor, who punished him by taking away his legs. The heavenly ruler promised that if the snake won a race competition against the other animals, which would eventually dictate the order of the zodiac, the snake could win a prize and potentially get his legs back.

Though the snake didn’t win, he placed sixth, impressing the emperor with his perseverance and dedication. The ruler made him one of the 12 animals of the zodiac. The race changed the snake’s path in other ways, too.