The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has launched a new School of Governance and Policy (SGP) that aims to foster dialogue and train a new generation of policymakers. Its inaugural week is being held from April 27 to 29. It convenes former heads of state, Nobel Laureates, influential global economists, and leading academics to discuss issues ranging from global conflict to economic development. Its flagship academic programme is the Master of governance and Policy, which will admit its first cohort this year. It draws on expertise from multiple disciplines, including economics, political science and law.

Taiwan's Institute for National Policy Research held a forum on Thursday, April 24 titled “Global Effects of the U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict and Taiwan’s Security” Scholars and experts concluded that following the war, the United States will shift its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan should prioritize energy security, asymmetric warfare strategies, and defense resilience.

China's population is projected to fall by about 60 million over the next decade. The decline would put pressure on the public pension system and the economy. Fiscal subsidies to social security funds hit a record 2.9 trillion yuan (US$425 billion) last year, equivalent to 10% of general budget spending.

Foreign forces are trying to spread the notion that young Chinese people should be "lying flat" and not working hard, the Ministry of State Security warns. Foreign organisations helped to fund anti-China media and think tanks to create a narrative that people who worked hard in China are exploited.

The recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran are not solely about nuclear ambitions, regional security, or proxy warfare. Instead, they may be aimed at pressuring China by targeting one of its most critical energy partners, Iran. A viral video and accompanying posts frame Iran as a “strategic pressure point” in the broader US–China rivalry. Iran occupies a crucial position in China’s long-term geopolitical strategy. Experts argue that the conflict with Iran is rooted in regional dynamics.

Hong Kong's exports rose by nearly 36 per cent year on year in March. The export performance was the best since January 2021. The government warns of headwinds arising from ongoing geopolitical conflicts. It also points to an upsurge in international energy prices as a risk to the near-term global economic outlook.

Canada plans to allow more direct passenger and cargo flights to China. Chinese tourists have a growing interest in natural scenery and diverse cities in Canada. There has been a rise in bookings to Canada by Chinese travellers in recent years. .  

Beijing is expanding its defense and security engagement across three interconnected regions: the Southwest Pacific, the Indian Ocean and Australia’s maritime approaches. It is not likely to see sudden military breakthroughs or dramatic shows of force, but rather a deliberate, long-term strategy that prioritizes persistence and gradual advantage.