CHINESE people around the world celebrate the lunar new year today.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, sees the world’s largest human migration as hundreds of millions flood the country’s railways to travel home to celebrate.

President Xi Jinping marked the occasion by praising “the industrious and courageous Chinese people” and vowed to fight for “reform, innovation, justice and a better standard of living” in the coming year.

But over in Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying irritated his critics when welcoming the Year of the Sheep.

“Sheep are widely seen to be mild and gentle animals living peacefully in groups,” he said.

“Last year was no easy ride for Hong Kong,” he added, referring to a spate of student protests over electoral reforms.

“In the coming year I hope that all people will take inspiration from the sheep’s character.”