The research centre is focused on urban and regional development in the Asia-Pacific region especially China. This centre and its predecessor, Urban and Regional development in Pacific Asia Programme (September 1990 – February 2013), have undertaken research on world cities, globalization, Chinese urbanization and urban and regional development in China covering Pearl River Delta (PRD), Pan-PRD, Guangdong, Shanghai, Fujian and western region. Ongoing research focuses on two themes. Theme 1: Urban and regional development in Hong Kong and mainland China will examine the development, planning and governance in Hong Kong, PRD cities and other cities in China. Theme 2: Population change and urbanization in China will examine inter-city and inter-provincial migration, urbanization and urban development in China.