Watch: China rings in New Year with incredible drone show

Countries around the world ushered in 2025 with spectacular light shows and fireworks displays. China celebrated New Year's eve with an elaborate drone show. Stunning visuals show a dragon light up the sky as a portal opens up above it. The dragon seamlessly glides through the air. Over 10,000 drones were used in the drone show display.

China’s Xi Jinping veered momentarily from his usual talking points in a New Year’s address to acknowledge the challenges of the country’s faltering economy and vow that the government was working to usher in the next phase of growth.

“The current economic operation is facing some new situations, there are challenges from the uncertainty of the external environment and pressure from the transformation of new and old drivers, but these can be overcome through hard work,” Xi said in a speech televised on state broadcaster CCTV.

“Everyone should be full of confidence,” he said.

He also reportedly claimed Taiwan again as part of China. "The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification.," Xi said.

With thousands counting down to the new year and applauding at vibrant fireworks fired from Sky Tower, New Zealand's highest building, and a breathtaking downtown light show, Auckland became the first major city to welcome 2025.

In Sydney, hundreds of thousands of revellers thronged the harbour to witness the world-famous fireworks display over the Sydney Opera House.