On 1st February, H.E. Ambassador Xiao Qian attended the Opening Ceremony of the ABAW 2025 Chinese New Year Festival in Melbourne, organized by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse. The event was also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, representative of Premier of Victoria and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin, nearly 20 federal and state members of parliament, over 200 distinguished guests from various sectors, and thousands of local residents. Consul General of China in Melbourne Fang Xinwen, along with diplomats from the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General, were also present.

Ambassador Xiao Qian extended warm Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese community in Victoria and across Australia, as well as to the local residents. He highly praised the contributions of Chinese Australians to Australia's economic and social development. Xiao noted that since 2022, China-Australia relations have been steadily improving and achieved comprehensive turnaround. He encouraged the Chinese community to continue to contribute to the friendship between the two countries in the new year.

Prime Minister Albanese, Opposition Leader Dutton, and other dignitaries extended sincere Chinese New Year wishes to the Chinese community in their speeches. They acknowledged the significant role of Chinese Australians and expressed positive views on Australia-China relations and Victoria’s cooperation with China.