Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...

Embassies brace for protests over Manila dispute

Beijing will be keeping a close watch over protests expected at Chinese embassies around the world over its territorial dispute with Manila in the South China Sea. The call for protests has been made by a coalition of Philippine activist groups angered by China's claims to what they call Scarborough Shoal and which Beijing calls the Huangyan Islands. China has warned its citizens living in the Philippines to stay indoors and take safety precautions, but an organiser of the protest in Manila said it would be peaceful.

Campaigner brings fight against sex slavery to HK

Laila Mickelwait, an American who works with Exodus Cry, an organisation that fights human trafficking, briefs the media on its campaign against sex slavery. Exodus Cry has also produced an award-winning documentary, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, which will be shown in the city this weekend. 'The documentary contains first-hand interviews with victims and traffickers, along with expert analysis from international humanitarian leaders,' according to the Women's Initiatives Network Hong Kong, which is co-hosting Mickelwait's visit with Barclays Bank and other sponsors. Mickelwait will also speak at three schools on the subject.

Key figures show how China's economy is faring

World markets focus on key indicators from Beijing, with economists expecting China to report inflation eased to 3.5 per cent in April from 3.6 per cent in March, and to announce that industrial production grew 12.1 per cent in April, from 11.9 per cent in March. Beijing is seeking to contain price pressures without causing a hard landing, which would have ripple effects across the global economy. In Hong Kong, Government Economist Helen Chan briefs the media on the city's economy in the first quarter.

Theatre complex gives Soweto an upgrade

The Soweto Theatre opens in the complex of townships near Johannesburg apartheid planners once intended to be the home of the city's black population. It is based on the old Jabulani Theatre (left) and includes three venues for up to 900 people. Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo said the theatre would help transform Soweto into a settlement 'that is known not just as a place where people come from but where people also go to'.

European Commission issues 2012-13 forecast for bloc

The European Commission publishes its spring 2012-13 economic forecast for all 27 countries in the European Union, plus the EU and euro-zone aggregates. In its interim forecast in February, the commission said the unexpected stalling of recovery late last year would extend into the first two quarters of 2012. Modest growth was predicted to return in the second half of the year, but that was before last weekend's elections in Greece and France.

Shanghai Co-operation Organisation ministers meet

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (left) hosts a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, which comprises China, Russia and the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Some Chinese think tanks have suggested Beijing should look beyond energy in its collaboration with Central Asia.