New Year updates: Celebrations begin as world enters 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Saturday for more effort and unity as the country enters a "new phase" in its approach to combating the pandemic, in his first comments addressed to the public on COVID-19 since his government changed course three weeks ago and relaxed its rigorous policy of lockdowns and mass testing.

Japan and the Republic of Korea usher in the New Year 2023 celebrations.

While COVID-19 continues to cause death and dismay, particularly in China, which is battling a nationwide surge in infections after suddenly easing anti-epidemic measures, countries had largely lifted quarantine requirements, restrictions for visitors and relentless testing that had limited travel and places people can go to.

Celebrations are being held at the Great Wall in Beijing, while in Shanghai authorities said traffic will be stopped along the waterfront Bund to allow pedestrians to gather on New Year’s Eve. Shanghai Disneyland will also hold a special fireworks show to welcome 2023.

Indonesian soldiers stand guard in the main business district on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, Indonesia, ahead of celebrations. It comes after President Joko Widodo said they are lifting all Covid-related restrictions nationwide almost three years after officials announced the first confirmed case of the virus in the country.

Sydney is welcoming in the new year with more fireworks after an earlier display "inspired by the land, sea and sky".

UK's chief medical officer told New Year's Eve partygoers "don't drink too much" to help reduce pressure on the over-stretched health service. Sir Frank Atherton urged people to "behave sensibly" as millions around the UK get ready to welcome in 2023.

"I agree people generally behave very sensibly," he told BBC One's Breakfast programme. 

London mayor Sadiq Khan said tickets to watch the city's fireworks display are sold out.

“Everyone is excited about the fireworks tonight. Sadly tickets are sold out for the event—if you don’t have a ticket you won’t be able to enter,” he tweeted reminding people without tickets that they can watch the fireworks live on TV tonight. The fireworks display is taking place at the London Eye, with thousands of people expected to watch it from Victoria Embankment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country would never give in to the West's attempts to use Ukraine as a tool to destroy Russia in a New Year's video message broadcast on Russian state TV. 

Tokyo is still a few hours off from ringing in 2023. However, images from the Japanese capital show volunteers handing out food to the homeless. Besides the sukiyaki box lunches, volunteers were handing out bananas, onions, cartons of eggs and small hand warmers at the park. Booths were set up for medical and other consultations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on for more effort and unity as the country enters a "new phase" in its approach to combating the pandemic, in his first public comments on Covid-19 since his government changed course three weeks ago and relaxed its rigorous policy of lockdowns and mass testing.

The sun sets behind Wat Arun or the temple of dawn on New Year’s Eve in Bangkok.

In Bali, Indonesia, a cultural parade with dancers is ongoing in Denpasar. Images show Balinese dancers in traditional dress performing to crowds as they gear up to welcome 2023.

Malaysia’s government cancelled its New Year countdown and fireworks event at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur after flooding across the nation displaced tens of thousands of people and a landslide killed 31 people this month.

The country’s famous Petronas Twin Towers said it would pare down its celebration with no performances or fireworks.

Authorities in military-ruled Myanmar announced a suspension of its normal four-hour curfew in the country’s three biggest cities so residents can celebrate New Year’s Eve. However, opponents of army rule are urging people to avoid public gatherings, claiming the authorities might stage a bombing or other attack and blame it on them.