Australia’s Strategic Approach to China and the US
The recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to China has been seen as a positive shift in Canberra’s foreign policy. Since the early 2000s, Australia’s economic growth has been closely tied to China, with the country benefiting from exporting natural resources such as iron ore and coal. These exports have played a crucial role in supporting China’s rapid economic expansion and societal transformation.
Under the previous Liberal-National coalition government, Australia took an unwise approach by aligning too closely with the United States and creating unnecessary tensions with China. This included blaming China for the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic by calling for an independent inquiry. However, the current administration under Albanese is taking a more balanced stance, aiming to maintain good relations with both China and the US based on shared interests.
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is clear that China will play a significant role in shaping the future, particularly in industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. The emergence of AI models like DeepSeek highlights this trend. Meanwhile, the US under the Trump administration has pursued policies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability, including imposing tariffs on allies, cutting funding for climate research, and exacerbating social divisions.
Given these developments, it is wise for Australia to adopt a middle-ground approach. As China emerges as a dominant global power, maintaining open and friendly relations with the country makes sense. This strategy allows Australia to keep its options open rather than becoming overly dependent on the US, which is seen as a declining and unpredictable power.
Concerns Over the Rise in Private DSE Candidates
The release of the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam results has sparked concerns among Hong Kong parents. According to a report from the Education Bureau, the number of private DSE candidates not following the DSE curriculum has increased significantly, from 189 in 2021 to 2,538 in 2025. More than 70% of these candidates hold Hong Kong identity cards.
This increase is linked to mainland students or children of new immigrants who are entering the DSE system through intensive tutoring programs. A cross-border tutoring industry is developing, with some centers in Shenzhen reporting that 60% of their DSE-focused classes are now filled by mainland students.
This trend raises concerns about resource allocation and fairness in the education system. Hong Kong’s policies often seem reactive, addressing issues only after public outcry, such as with parallel trading or mainland women giving birth in the city. To ensure equity, the education system should consider measures like guaranteeing more university spots for local students, requiring new immigrants to provide proof of local education, and implementing standardized grading systems.
At the same time, Hong Kong should focus on developing talent in STEM fields and creating more job opportunities in innovation. The influx of private DSE candidates could be both an opportunity and a challenge, highlighting the need for balance in managing educational resources while attracting talent.
Pioneering Driverless Vehicles on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge offers a unique opportunity to pilot driverless vehicles for transporting goods and passengers. With its unused capacity and cross-boundary reach, the bridge could serve as a testing ground for autonomous technology, enhancing efficiency and regional integration.
In December 2024, the Airport Authority announced plans for a small driverless shuttle to operate between the Hong Kong checkpoint and the 11 Skies complex at the airport. While this is a positive step, the next phase should involve deploying driverless vehicles directly on the bridge itself to enable true cross-boundary mobility.
A recent incident involving a driverless vehicle at the airport underscores the importance of safety but should not hinder progress. The governments of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau must collaborate to introduce cross-boundary unmanned vehicles and transform the bridge into a platform for smart mobility and innovation.