Reuters – Taiwan says new Chinese air routes threaten Taiwanese islands’ flight safety

Taiwan said on Friday China’s decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation, and said it would demand any aircraft using them be asked to turn around.

Reuters – US State Dept expects to finalize AUKUS trade exemptions in next 120 days

The U.S. State Department said on Friday it expects to finalize trade exemptions for the AUKUS defense project with Australia and Britain in the next 120 days, signaling a further delay in but offering the prospect of a positive outcome in the project to counter China.

Nikkei Asia – Philippines and U.S. to ‘sink’ ships in South China Sea drills

Filipino and American forces will conduct their annual joint military exercises next week, including simulations of sinking ships, which likely will irk China amid flaring tensions in the South China Sea.

The Diplomat – Japan’s ‘Grave Concern’ Over New Hong Kong Legislation

On March 19, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Bill proposed by the Hong Kong government, with the legislation taking effect on March 23.

The Diplomat – The Key Takeaways From Chinese FM Wang Yi’s Visit to Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, yesterday hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Nikkei Asia – Jokowi asks China to help build new capital’s transport system

Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday in Jakarta in an effort to strengthen ties with China ahead of the handover to his successor in October.