On May 7, China unveiled a 10-point policy package aimed at enhancing market confidence, boosting long-term liquidity and supporting innovation-driven growth. The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, cut its policy rate and reduced the reserve requirement ratio. Additional measures were announced to shore up technological innovation, consumer services and businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs. Now, China's economy grew by 5.4% during the first quarter of this year and value-added industrial output expanded 6.5% year on year. Retail sales also grew by 4.6% in the first quarter. Against the better-than-expected quarterly figures, why is China rolling out these measures? How will they affect the economy in the short to mid-term? And how have markets reacted so far?

The 47th U.S. President's trade and tariff war against China has domestic retailers warning of empty shelves and economists predicting a U.S. recession before the end of the year. Internationally, China is seen as a more stable partner and a force for good in the world than the United States. How have the first 100 days of the Trump administration impacted bilateral ties? How will the trade fallout unfold in the short term? And how might changes in the comparative standings of the United States and China potentially shape the international landscape?

China, Russia, and Iran support the International Atomic Energy Agency in playing a constructive role in resolving issues pertaining to Iran's nuclear program. A joint meeting between senior diplomats from the three countries and the head of the IAEA sent that message on Thursday. What's the significance of the joint meeting in Vienna? What came out of the Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Beijing? What can we expect from the third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S.?