In a landmark move for greater inclusiveness, the China Media Group (CMG) will offer barrier-free broadcasts of its 2025 Spring Festival Gala tailored for over 45 million visually and hearing-impaired viewers for the first time.
These dedicated broadcasts will provide real-time program interpretation and detailed background narration, ensuring that everyone can fully appreciate the entertainment of this special program.
With less than three weeks to go, CMG held the second rehearsal of the gala on Friday to further fine tune the performances following the first rehearsal last Sunday.
The gala, also known as Chunwan in Chinese, has been regarded as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Lunar New Year celebrations in China. It has been broadcast live annually since 1983, and will be aired globally on Jan 28 this year, the eve of the Lunar Chinese New Year of the Snake.
The Spring Festival is the grandest traditional festival in China and an occasion for family reunion. It falls on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, the 6th of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese Zodiac.
On Dec 4, 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival and its social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking a global recognition of this vibrant celebration and cherished cultural tradition.
CMG offers barrier-free broadcasts of Spring Festival Gala
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries
