HKU School of Governance and Policy (SGP) invited Dr. Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan, to be one of the speakers of the Global Leaders Series during the Inaugural Week on 28 April 2026 at the Rayson Huang Theatre, The University of Hong Kong. His lecture, “The Future of Sino‑Japanese Relations Amid a Changing World Order”, brought together students, scholars and practitioners to engage with critical issues shaping global governance and regional dynamics. The session was moderated by Professor Kenneth Wong, Director and Kerry Group Professor in Public Policy, School of Governance and Policy, commentary by Professor Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice‑President (Global); Associate Dean of HKU Business School; Director of Asia Global Institute.

Dr. Hatoyama examined the evolving international order and the strategic importance of Sino‑Japanese relations. He highlighted the growing instability of the global system, indicating that we are currently facing great challenges since World War II. He emphasised that East Asia remains central to global stability and underscored the need for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding to sustain regional peace.

The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants posed questions to Dr. Hatoyama on topics such as regional security, economic interdependence, and the future of multilateral cooperation. The exchange reflected strong audience engagement and prompted considered discussion on policy challenges within an increasingly complex global environment.

Abstract

From the high-intensity wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, to the abduction of the Venezuelan president, and the tariff wars that completely disregard free trade, we are currently witnessing intense upheaval that suggests the world order is on the verge of collapse. East Asia, too, cannot remain untouched by these shifts. It is my firm belief that the state of relations between Japan and China will significantly influence the speed and extent to which the cracks in the world order spread to East Asia. In this lecture, I will discuss the outlook for Japan-China relations from this perspective. By carefully managing Japan-China relations, we must safeguard peace and stability in East Asia and, by extension, halt the progression of the cracks in the world order.

About Global Leaders Series

The Global Leaders Series is the flagship initiative of HKU School of Governance and Policy, dedicated to bringing eminent global leaders, policymakers, and thinkers to the University of Hong Kong for public dialogue, student engagement, and policy exchange. By hosting former heads of state, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, and renowned experts from across the globe, the Series provides a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the wider community to address the most pressing societal challenges of our time.