Commemorations: Emancipation Proclamation anniversary
- Jan. 1, 2026 marked the 163rd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The White House issued a presidential message commemorating the Jan. 1, 1863 decree by President Abraham Lincoln, describing it as a “fit and necessary” military measure that shifted the Civil War’s purpose and helped set the stage for abolition and the Thirteenth Amendment. The statement reiterated themes of equality and national unity. (White House brief, Jan. 1, 2026)
U.S. — Haiti: National Day message and security support
- The State Department released a Jan. 1, 2026 press statement for Haiti National Day, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The statement affirmed U.S. support for creating a Gang Suppression Force to work with Haitian security forces against gangs and U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations. It recognized progress by Haiti’s transitional government and provisional electoral council in preparing for national elections planned for 2026, and said the United States will continue to encourage and assist efforts to enable a secure electoral process. (U.S. Department of State press statement, Jan. 1, 2026)
East Asia: China military activity near Taiwan and U.S. response
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The U.S. State Department issued a Jan. 1, 2026 statement (Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott) saying China’s military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan “increase tensions unnecessarily,” urging Beijing to exercise restraint, cease military pressure against Taiwan, and engage in dialogue. The statement reiterated that the United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion. (U.S. Department of State press statement, Jan. 1, 2026)
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Taiwan’s government, citing Chinese drills that included rocket launches and deployments of ships and aircraft around the island, said it would defend its sovereignty and urged strengthening national defence capabilities. Reporting indicated the exercises were part of a larger series of drills termed “Justice Mission 2025,” and that Taiwan and international observers described the manoeuvres as highly provocative. (Reuters reporting; CBS News coverage, Jan. 1, 2026)