TOP NEWS

China-Taiwan relations
Xi delivers New Year's speech - vows to reunite Taiwan with China

Chinese President Xi Jinping promised in his New Year's speech to reunite Taiwan with the rest of China, writes The Guardian. According to Xi, "reunification with the motherland is unstoppable".

The speech was given just a day after China ended a massive military exercise in the air and at sea around Taiwan. The island has been de facto self-governing since 1949, but the Chinese communist regime sees it as part of China and has long promised to take control, by force if necessary.

At the same time, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te promised to defend the island's sovereignty. He also called for national cohesion and a good relationship between the country's various political parties.

- Only through unity, not division, can we avoid sending the wrong signal to China that they could invade Taiwan, said Lai.

New Year's celebrations around the world
Netanyahu on the guest list when Trump celebrated New Year

US President Donald Trump celebrated New Year together with, among others, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, writes AP.

According to CNN's sources, the entrance fee to Trump's private club Mar-a-Lago cost at least $1,450, equivalent to almost 14,000 kronor.

Also attending were, among others, Donald Trump's two sons, his former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security.

"Peace on earth," Donald Trump replied when asked what his New Year's resolution was, according to CNN.

The coming year
Here are the elections that could shape the world in 2026

It is not only Sweden that is going to the polls in 2026. In total, over 40 elections are taking place around the world, several of which could have international repercussions, Al Jazeera notes in a review.

In February, Bangladesh will hold its first election since a student-led revolt ended Sheikh Hasina's fifteen-year rule in 2024. Voters will also vote on several legal changes that will strengthen democracy.

In April, Hungary will go to the polls in what looks to be the toughest challenge yet for right-wing populist Viktor Orbán. A loss for the EU-critical and pro-Russia Orbán could have major consequences for European unity.

In May, Colombia will elect a new president after Gustavo Petro, an election that could play a major role in the stability of the region and the country's relationship with the United States, writes Al Jazeera.

In addition, the United States will hold midterm elections this fall, which could result in Republicans losing power in Congress.

The shift in power in New York
Mamdani sworn in – becoming the first Muslim mayor

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York's new mayor on Thursday, reports the New York Times. The ceremony was held at midnight in a closed subway station.

Leftist politician Mamdani becomes the city's first Muslim mayor. He has promised to introduce free buses, freeze rents and universal preschool. He was sworn in by the state's Attorney General Letitia James, known for pursuing legal cases against Donald Trump.

A larger ceremony is expected later on Thursday with speeches from Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.