The arrival of the Year of the Horse in 2026 serves as a definitive diplomatic milestone for the consolidation of the Global South. In a coordinated display of recognition for Xi Jinping’s leadership, heads of state from emerging powers—led by the BRICS nations—sent greetings that transcend mere festive protocol. These messages have transformed the Lunar New Year into a geopolitical stage for affirming a shared vision against unilateral pressures from the North.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent an emphatic message, wishing for prosperity and well-being while reiterating Brazil’s strategic commitment. Lula expressed a willingness to build, “hand in hand,” a Brazil-China community with a shared future. For the Brazilian government, the partnership with Beijing is the primary engine for constructing a more just, sustainable, and multipolar world—one where economic development is inseparable from social justice, breaking away from historical patterns of neocolonial exploitation.
The Moscow-Beijing Axis and Educational Sovereignty
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, highlighted the “steady momentum” of the strategic coordination partnership in this new era. Beyond record-breaking trade figures, Putin celebrated the advancement of key cooperation projects and announced that 2026 would mark the start of the “Russia-China Year of Education.” This move signals that the alliance between these two giants is not merely defensive or transactional, but structural and generational, focusing on technological and intellectual sovereignty in the face of Western attempts at isolation.
The Symbolism of the Horse and Multilateralism
The symbolism of the Horse—representing energy, success, and the courage to move forward—was the theme utilized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to praise China’s role in global solidarity. According to Guterres, the world urgently needs the qualities evoked by this Chinese zodiac sign to navigate toward an inclusive future. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed China as a fundamental partner for common prosperity, sealing Africa’s commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Analysis & Context
Takeaways:
- Lula reinforces the creation of a “community of shared future” between Brazil and China.
- Putin announces the “Russia-China Year of Education” for 2026 to deepen intellectual ties.
- BRICS nations act as a bloc to validate Chinese leadership in a multilateral framework.
- UN’s António Guterres credits China for its strong support of global solidarity.
- The Year of the Horse is viewed by leaders as the energy needed to overcome global crises.
Key Facts:
- Date: February 16, 2026.
- Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Horse (Symbolizing courage and progress).
- Key Figures: Xi Jinping, Lula da Silva, Vladimir Putin, Cyril Ramaphosa, António Guterres.
- Core Themes: Sovereignty, Sustainable Development, and Multilateralism.
