UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday sent a message to the Chinese people to wish them happy new year as the traditional Chinese Spring Festival is around the corner.

The message, written by the UN secretary-general in English, reads: "I extend my warmest wishes to the people of China on the occasion of the Year of the Rabbit. I wish them increased prosperity and well-being in the year to come as we continue to work together for global peace and sustainable development."

The message was given to Xinhua on Tuesday while the secretary- general was in Ethiopia.

The Spring Festival, or China's Lunar New Year which falls on Thursday this year, is China's most important annual event for family reunions.