China is conducting live-fire drills around Taiwan island as navy and air force planes were sent to conduct combat-readiness patrols. The exercise began days after the United States announced the sale of US$11 billion worth of arms to Taiwan. As Hailey Yip reports, the Foreign Ministry says any attempt to thwart reunification is doomed to fail:

The Development Bureau says that it is setting up a dedicated company to manage the development and operations of an industry park in Hung Shui Kiu under the Northern Metropolis project. The firm will benefit from an initial public fund injection, but is expected to be financially self-sustaining in the long run. Charlie Chun reports.

The government will launch the tender for the first Hung Shui Kiu pilot area today, with the bidding period running for about six months, closing in early July next year. As Hailey Yip reports, officials say the long tender period is intended to give interested parties ample time to prepare their bids:

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn says the government will sell by tender two residential plots in the three months ending March, as part of its land-sale programme. The site on Choi Ha Road in Ngau Tau Kok is expected to provide 470 units, while the plot on Shau Kei Wan Main Street East could generate 200 flats. She also says total supply for the entire fiscal year is expected to reach 15,750 units, exceeding the government's target by about 20 percent.

Local home prices have risen to a 16-month high last month, while rents reached a record high during the same period. Chloe Feng reports.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board believes that the countdown to the New Year remains attractive to revellers despite the cancellation of the fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. It says it's the atmosphere that counts. Janice Lo reports.

Transport operators are preparing to meet holiday demand during the New Year. They include the MTR Corporation which says it will step up most services. Chloe Feng reports.

A labour group has opened a lounge for delivery riders to park their motorbikes and take a break. Food couriers welcomed the move and expressed the hope that more such facilities will be available. Elvis Yu reports.

Lawmaker Lam Chun-sing, who's also chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, urged the government and businesses to take the initiative further. He told Elvis Yu that some riders are worried about getting a parking ticket while taking breaks.

A medical expert says people, especially children and the elderly, should be vaccinated amid the emergence of the H3N2 influenza A strain, also known as subclade K. Local researchers have found that 99 percent of residents lack sufficient antibodies to protect them from the new strain. Ivan Hung, Clinical Professor at the University of Hong Kong conducting the local study, said that vaccines not only protects vulnerable groups, but also builds herd immunity among the population. He spoke to Mike Rowse on RTHK's Backchat programme:

The eastern section of the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point has opened, with the completion of its final kilometre. This paves the way for a seamless run from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan along Hong Kong Island's 13km harbourfront. Elvis Yu has the story.

The newly opened section of the East Coast Boardwalk has been praised by those who visited the latest addition to the city's attractions on its first day. Janice Lo has the details.

The Jockey Club has been urged to take lighting and noise issues into consideration when building its fourth public riding school in Tseung Kwan O. Charlie Chun has details.

Russia has accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin's residence in the country's north. Ukraine has denied ever initiating such an attack, accusing Moscow instead of fabricating the events so it can launch retaliatory strikes. Jamie Clarke reports:

The United States has pledged billions of US dollars for humanitarian aid, while telling the United Natinos to 'adapt or die.’ As Jamie Clarke reports, Washington slashed its aid spending this year - triggering a severe funding crunch for the global body:

China's 2025 space endeavours saw a number of major milestones - from a groundbreaking in-orbit emergency rescue to launching its first asteroid mission. Speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme, Professor Quentin Parker, Director of the University of Hong Kong's Laboratory for Space Research, said there are a lot of exciting developments in store for 2026. Professor Parker was also asked if he thinks China would beat the US in sending astronauts back to the Moon.