Dec. 22 to 27: China’s top legislature opens key year-end session
The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress holds its session in Beijing to review draft laws including the environment code and revisions to the Foreign Trade Law. The agenda for China’s top legislative body also covers the national development planning law and other legal updates.
Dec. 22: Nasdaq 100 rebalancing takes effect
The index’s quarterly rebalance becomes effective, adding companies such as Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Seagate Technology Holdings PLC. Removed constituents include Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Biogen Inc., reflecting shifts in market capitalization.
Dec. 22: Adora Cruises halts Japan trips
The Adora Magic City cruise ship cancels all call ports in Japan starting Dec.22, rerouting to South Korea amid rising bilateral tensions. The operator, Adora Cruises, becomes the first domestic cruise line to publicly halt Japan routes.
Dec. 22: Guangzhou-Zhanjiang high-speed rail line begins operation
The 401-kilometer route links major cities in Guangdong province — including Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Yunfu, Yangjiang, Maoming, and Zhanjiang —with trains reaching a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour. Travel time between Guangzhou Baiyun Station and Zhanjiang North Station is as short as 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Dec. 23: Indonesia taxes gold exports
New export duties on gold products take effect, with rates ranging from 7.5% to 15% depending on reference prices. A tariff of up to 12.5% applies when prices are between $2,800 and $3,200 an ounce, rising for higher valuations.
Dec. 23: Guangdong cars enter Hong Kong
Approved private vehicles from Guangdong province can enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge under the latest cross-border travel scheme. The policy initially opens to drivers from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, and Zhongshan.
Dec. 25: Trump plans Gaza announcement
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to declare the start of the second phase of the Gaza peace process. This phase is expected to include further Israeli troop withdrawals, the deployment of international stabilization forces, and the implementation of a new local governance structure.
Dec. 25: Corporate credit repair rules implemented
New regulations from the State Administration for Market Regulation take effect to standardize the restoration of corporate credit. The rules aim to encourage businesses to correct illicit behavior and rebuild their creditworthiness through a transparent process.
Dec. 26: U.S. enforces biometric entry
The Department of Homeland Security implements mandatory biometric checks for all non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders, entering or leaving the country. Travelers at airports, land borders, and seaports must undergo facial recognition, fingerprinting, or potential iris scans.
Dec. 28: Myanmar begins general election
The military government initiates a general election period running through Jan. 11, 2026, to form a new parliament. This marks the country’s first national vote since the military takeover in February 2021.
