The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council said in a statement Thursday art troupes will stage 30 performances for overseas Chinese in Hong Kong, Macao and 13 foreign countries during the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Zhao Yang, deputy head of the office, said the troupes will present acrobatic, dance and musical performances.

The Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 3 this year.

Zhao said he hopes the performances will increase understanding between foreign countries and China.

The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council started sending troupes overseas to perform for overseas Chinese audiences in 2009.

So far, more than 1.17 million people in 40 cities around the world have enjoyed 109 performances by troupes sent by the office.