Nikkei Asia – Solomons ‘Unfairly Targeted’ Since Recognizing China: Prime Minister

The prime minister of the Solomon Islands complained on Friday that his country had been subjected to “a barrage of unwarranted and misplaced criticisms, misinformation and intimidation” since formalizing diplomatic relations with China in 2019.

The Straits Times – Antony Blinken and Wang Yi Meet to Contain High Tensions On Taiwan

Senior diplomats from the United States and China met on Friday with tensions high after an explicit pledge by US President Joe Biden to defend Taiwan.

The Diplomat – South Korea, US, Japan Reaffirm Joint Stance on North Korea’s Missile Threats

The Straits Times – ST Explains: Why Is Ex-Japan PM Abe’s State Funeral Controversial?

A state funeral for assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe has become a lightning rod for controversy, prompting demonstrations and even an apparent act of attempted self-immolation.

Nikkei Asia – Analysis: Xi’s New Diplomacy Keeps Putin’s War at Arm’s Length

Reuters – Taiwan Denounces China’s Peaceful ‘Reunification’ Pledge

Taiwan will never allow China to “meddle” in its future, the government said on Wednesday, after a Chinese government spokesperson said Beijing was willing to make the utmost effort to strive for a peaceful “reunification” with the island.