US President Joe Biden has also extended greetings to the Chinese people and wished the Chinese people happiness and good fortune in the new year.

On Thursday night, or the eve of the Lunar New Year, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his greetings, saying "I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year, and wish everyone health, success and happiness!"

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has also sent his congratulations to overseas Chinese in Japan via an open letter, saying he would like to express his gratitude to all Chinese friends and wish them good luck and prosperity in the new year.

"My wife and I would like to join the celebrations with all of you on this occasion," said Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his official Facebook page, with the words "Gong Xi Fa Cai 2021" (Chinese spelling for 'wishing you prosperity') appearing in the post.