Latest
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.
10 minutes ago
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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.
37 minutes ago
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.
1 hour ago
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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.
1 hour ago
Harry’s View
Gallery
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Harry's View: January 2026
Selected works by SCMP's veteran political cartoonist, Harry Harrison, from January 2026.
2 hours ago
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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.
2 hours ago
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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.
3 hours ago
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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.
4 hours ago
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.
4 hours ago
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.
4 hours ago
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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.
5 hours ago
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.
5 hours ago
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.
5 hours ago
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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.
6 hours ago
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Racing
SCMP Best Bets: Grand Slam can land knockout blow for punters at Sha Tin
6 hours ago
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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.
6 hours ago
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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.
6 hours ago
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.
6 hours ago
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.
6 hours ago
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World Opinion
Opinion
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 8:30PM
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 8:22PM
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.
31 Dec 2025 - 8:00PM
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:51PM
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.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:42PM
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:39PM
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:15PM
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:15PM
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.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:03PM
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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.
31 Dec 2025 - 6:26PM
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.
31 Dec 2025 - 6:15PM