Red blankets of joy

China is highly committed to multilateralism in handling global issues, Fu said, and over the past year it has practiced true multilateralism, defended the authority of the UN and advanced initiatives that reflect China's wisdom and the way it tackles problems.

"We must embrace the spirit of the snake, shedding old challenges to emerge stronger and more united."

Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications, said the snake represents "wisdom, intelligence and resilience", qualities she said the world could use over the coming year.