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United States & Canada

Trump issues first vetoes, as ally who backed Epstein vote fears ‘retaliation’

The US president killed two Republican-sponsored bills, including one from Maga lawmaker Lauren Boebert.

US congresswoman Lauren Boebert arrives at the Capitol on December 10. Photo: AFP

Video | Hong Kong welcomes 2026 without fireworks

Hong Kong’s government called off the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display after the deadly fire in Tai Po.

Hongkongers attend countdown event in Central

World

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges

Celebrations began as early as noon, as people around the world bid farewell to a challenging year.

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A street performer takes part in the Procession of Light as it passes the Christ Church Cathedral en route to Dublin Castle in Ireland on Wednesday. Photo: PA Wire via dpa

Health & Environment

6 patients spared higher fees as new hospital charges take effect in Hong Kong

Hospital Authority chief executive Libby Lee says implementation of the new A&E charges has been smooth.

An employee at Kwong Wah Hospital holds up a sign publicising the fee revamp. Photo: Sun Yeung

Harry’s View

Gallery | Harry's View: January 2026

Selected works by SCMP's veteran political cartoonist, Harry Harrison, from January 2026.

January 1, 2026
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United States & Canada

China buys two-thirds of pledged US soybeans as 2025 closes

Beijing has moved to reduce tariffs on the crop and lifted import bans on three US exporters after talks between Xi and Trump.

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A combine harvests a soybean field in Tracy, Minnesota, in October. Photo: TNS

Europe

France plans social media ban for children under 15

A draft law to protect minors from ‘inappropriate content’ and online harassment would also call for a ban on cellphone use in schools.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the digital protection of minors is a priority for his government, but enforcement and compliance with international law have been issues. Photo: dpa

Politics

Hong Kong leader vows to boost livelihoods, fast-track housing projects in 2026

Chief Executive John Lee also pledges to strengthen I&T development and align with nation’s 15th five-year plan.

The city leader pledged to expedite the construction of public housing. Photo: Jelly Tse

Australasia

‘Not cowed’: Australia sees defiant start to 2026 after mass shooting

Many police officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the popular annual fireworks display over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.

Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year. Photo: Reuters

Global Economy

China’s January 1 silver curbs to deepen global crunch amid volatility: analysts

Beijing’s new export-licensing system seen squeezing foreign buyers, pushing price towards US$100 an ounce; Elon Musk joins warning chorus.

Bars of silver are stacked at a processing plant in Glogow, Poland. Spot silver briefly surpassed US$80 an ounce for the first time in December. Photo: Reuters
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Transport

Miles to go: Hong Kong’s premium taxi roll-out crawls to a third of 3,500 target

Just 1,300 premium taxis are in service as industry players blame unattractive earnings, lack of charging facilities and ride-hailing competition for slow roll-out.

When launched in July, the new fleets started with about 1,000 premium taxis. Photo: Jelly Tse

Russia & Central Asia

Russia will win in Ukraine, says Putin in New Year address

The president’s speech called on Russians to ‘support our heroes’ and came on the 26th anniversary of him coming to power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in power for 26 years on Wednesday, chaired a meeting on Monday to discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Photo: Mikhail Metzel via Sputnik/Kremlin

Military

Was PLA’s Taiwan drill testing ‘inexpensive’ ways to wear down air defences?

The drills were on a larger scale than previous ones and featured the use of rocket systems that could give mainland Chinese forces an edge.

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The drill included the use of ground-based rocket launch systems. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Hong Kong politics in 2025: Jimmy Lai verdict, Legco poll and Panama port saga

The Post rounds up major political events that made 2025 a significant year for the city.

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The planned Panama port sale was among the stories that made headlines this year. Photo: Reuters

Racing

SCMP Best Bets: Grand Slam can land knockout blow for punters at Sha Tin

SCMP Best Bets: Grand Slam can land knockout blow for punters at Sha Tin
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Europe

‘Criminal damage’: Finland police say ship seized after cable damage

Various energy and telecommunications infrastructure has been hit in recent years, with many leaders and experts suspecting Russia.

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Two Finnish officials on the deck of an oil tanker in December 2024 that was suspected of sabotaging a power cable linking Finland and Estonia. Photo: Handout via AFP

Global Economy

China imposes beef-import quota, adds over-quota tariffs to guard local industry

From Thursday, over-quota imports from Brazil, Australia, US and other trade partners face new duties to help local producers recover amid price declines.

Handlers move cattle at a livestock market in Canuelas, Argentina, in October. China is kicking off 2026 with additional tariffs on beef imports exceeding specific quotas for major trading partners. Photo: AP

Business

Multibillion Manus deal delights, but raises spectre of a China AI exodus

Meta’s acquisition of Manus has opened a new cash-out path for China’s AI founders, but also sparked concerns over a brain drain.

Manus has effectively shattered the fixation on ‘Ivy League’ degrees and marquee work histories. Photo: Shutterstock

Diplomacy

In New Year’s speech, Xi urges growth, vows ‘unstoppable’ Taiwan reunification

President Xi Jinping also praises Chinese innovation, noting advancements in AI, chip development, aerospace and military technology.

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President Xi Jinping delivers his annual televised New Year’s speech on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

World Opinion

Opinion | Why Donald Trump will focus on the Fed in 2026

With the US midterm elections looming, the White House seeks victory over inflation and the stimulating effects of lower borrowing costs.

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US President Donald Trump salutes after disembarking from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on October 30. Photo: Reuters
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East Asia

A toil for the toilet: Japan’s PM, women MPs, call for more lavatories

For the 73 women elected in 2024 to parliament’s lower house there is just one toilet, with two cubicles, near the main plenary session hall.

Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister. File photo: Kyodo

Global Economy

Nexperia, Wingtech set for fresh face-off in January with US$8 billion at stake

Dutch chipmaker’s Chinese owner warns of multi-track legal action, seeking full control of the firm and damages for improper seizure amid supply-chain tensions.

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Flags fly next to a logo of Nexperia at the facade of its factory in Dongguan, Guangdong province, amid a diplomatic standoff between China and the Netherlands over the company. Photo: Reuters

Society

Hong Kong students, bankers have a ball for charity with Operation Santa Claus

Dah Sing Charity Score Challenge brings together more than 100 bank staff, families, and friends to play a series of basketball games with children aged 10 to 14.

The Dah Sing Charity Score Challenge set out to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus. Photo: Handout

Europe

‘So furious’: UK’s Queen Camilla describes assault by man on train

She responded by removing a shoe and using it to hit her attacker in the genitals.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla leave a Christmas Day morning church service in Sandringham. Photo: via dpa

Society

Hong Kong rings in 2026 as tens of thousands pack Central, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tens of thousands of Hongkongers and tourists welcome new year, as cheers ring across streets of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

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Revellers gather in Central for the countdown. Photo: Sam Tsang
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Science

Great Green Wall 2.0: China is geoengineering deserts with blue-green algae

Scientists aim to reclaim thousands of hectares of desert using cyanobacteria that can stabilise sand and create foundation for plant growth.

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Researchers at Shapotou Desert Experimental Research Station in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region have created a technique using cyanobacteria to form a biomass-rich crust over desert sand. Photo: China Science Daily

Lifestyle

7 inspiring stories from 2025, from weight loss to changing lives

Here are 7 stories from the past year with inspiring messages about courage, not giving up and people who turned their lives around.

Sophie Chan, who is battling leukaemia has made a plush toy called Corny Ketchy to give to people who supported her during her treatment. Photo: Edmond So

Africa

‘Equivalent measures’: Mali, Burkina Faso restrict entry for US citizens

The African nations said they were imposing the travel restrictions after the US included them, and others, on a no-entry list.

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The leader of Mali’s ruling junta, Assimi Goita, centre, attends an independence day military parade. File photo: AP

People

Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says

The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meeting with Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in Manila on Tuesday. Photo: Instagram / bongbongmarcos

Arts

Important arts events in China’s Greater Bay Area in January 2026

China’s Greater Bay Area is hosting a number of arts happenings in early 2026. Here is a selection of must-attend events.

Catch pianist Martha Argerich, among others, at the inaugural Verbier Festival in Shenzhen in January 2026. Photo: Getty Images