Hello readers, this week is especially busy for us, so we’re trying a condensed format. This is temporary. Thank you for your patience.
China
Trump says the US has requested that China delay Beijing summit by ‘a month or so’ Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, March 16
China, U.S. reach preliminary consensus on some issues, says China int’l trade representative Xinhua, March 17
Chinese public disfavors military unification: poll , Taipei Times, March 17
Ex-Munich Security Conference chair urges united stance against China Taipei Times, March 17
South Korea
Rubio, South Korea Foreign Minister Cho agree Strait of Hormuz key to global economy, Seoul says Reuters, March 16
Laos
Hours-long fuel queues in Laos capital Vientiane, Channel News Asia, March 17
Philippines
Gov’t urged to run oil industry as prices soar Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 17
Indonesia
Rights coalition urges premeditated murder probe in acid attack on Kontras activist Gembong Hanung, The Jakarta Post, March 17
Taiwan
Minister ignores China-born lawmaker’s query, Taipei Times, March 17
Birthrate projections too optimistic, minister says , Taipei Times, March 17
Taipei ‘smoke-free city’ plan legally feasible: minister , Taipei Times, March 17
East Asia
What Happened at China’s Two Sessions in 2026? Asia Society, March 16
A Maoist Survival Guide to the Iranian Energy Crisis, The Economist, March 16.
‘Made in America’ Should Accept Chinese Investment, Zichen Wang, Foreign Policy, March 16
Will China send warships to the Strait of Hormuz?, Lim Zhan Ting, ThinkChina, March 16
Japanese investment in China keeps rising, despite political tensions, Ryan Shih, The Interpreter, March 17
How Takaichi Can Triumph, Michael J. Green, Foreign Affairs, March 16
Eight Lessons for North Korea’s Nuclear and Missile Forces From the Ongoing Iran Conflict, Vann H. Van Diepen, 38 North, March 16
Southeast Asia
Singapore and Japan at 60: A new chapter begins, Lawrence Wong, Nikkei Asia, March 17
South Asia
Bangladesh’s path from upheaval to ballot box, Pranab Kumar Panday, East Asia Forum, March 16