BEIJING: China has celebrated its New Year with dancing robots and colourful shows, heralding the Year of the Horse.
Chinese state television broadcast the traditional New Year's gala as the clock passed midnight Monday (1600 GMT Feb 16), with US pop star Lionel Richie and action film legend Jackie Chan performing.
The annual Spring Festival, marking the start of the new year, is celebrated not only in mainland China, but also in the special administrative region of Hong Kong, the self-governing island of Taiwan and other countries in Asia.
The meticulously choreographed New Year's gala, featuring singing, dancing and cabaret performances, achieves the highest ratings in China every year and is also considered a showcase for the visions and ambitions of the ruling Communist Party.
Following a highly acclaimed performance in 2025, humanoid robots from various Chinese start-ups danced on stage again this year.
This time, the machines appeared as performers in a sketch and performed daring somersaults and martial arts exercises in a kung fu demonstration.
Humanoid robots are among Beijing's "new quality productive forces."
The Marxist term encompasses all high-tech industries, from artificial intelligence to drones and electric cars, with which Beijing hopes to boost the Chinese economy.
Under the lunar calendar, the horse is one of 12 signs of the zodiac.
According to astrologers, the symbol represents strength and independence, but also impulsive behaviour and stubbornness. - dpa
