Hong Kong has undergone dramatic changes since the imposition of the national security law in the summer of 2020. Many pro-democracy politicians and activists have been arrested.

As the National People's Congress opened this year's session, China set an economic target of "around 5%" — one of the lowest in decades — and announced a 7.2% increase in its defense budget.

In his first press conference as China's top diplomat, Qin Gang said US policies risk "conflict and confrontation" with Beijing. From the "spy balloon" spat to Russia's war in Ukraine, Qin outlined where China stands.

Countries now have to formally adopt and ratify the treaty. Then the work will start to implement the marine sanctuaries and to attempt to meet the target of protecting 30% of global oceans by 2030.

UN Human Rights Council head Volker Turk has highlighted the scale of Russia's war in Ukraine and Moscow's crackdown on internal dissent. He also warned about the rights of minorities in China — and some Western nations.

The iPhone maker's top supplier Foxconn plans to boost production in India, with a new facility in Bengaluru. But the move westward could be beset by red tape and quality control issues.

Taipei has agreed to resume flights to multiple cities across China, saying it hoped this might help improve ties. Reintroducing the flights will make the situation more comparable with the pre-coronavirus norm.

Xi Jinping, China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, could be on track to remain in power for life.

US President Joe Biden unveils a $6.8 trillion budget proposal with key provisions aimed at boosting American competitiveness against China, while Beijing rails against economic containment and suppression. Plus, a sell-off in US bank shares sparked by a run on a small California lender spreads to Asia and Europe as markets tumble.

As Ethiopian courts support a motion to cut short a United Nations-mandated inquiry into atrocities committed during the Tigray war, observers fear the move could widen the divide between African and Western nations.

Some of the largest ministries will see their current heads stay on, signaling a cautionary stance in the face of economic and political headwinds.

The Hong Kong Alliance leaders were arrested under the national security law for failing to handover details about the organization's meetings and finances.