WASHINGTON/TAIPEI, March 13 (Reuters) - A major U.S. arms ⁠package ⁠for Taiwan that includes advanced interceptor missiles is ready ⁠for President Donald Trump's approval and could be signed after his trip to China this month, sources briefed on the discussions ​said.

Taiwan’s military has signaled that it isn’t changing its defense posture because of the falloff in Chinese warplane activity. Defense Minister Wellington Koo noted that China’s navy has remained active in nearby waters, even as military flights have fallen off.

China's Foreign Ministry criticized the Trump administration's trade investigation as a "pretext" for tariffs. Meanwhile, China is moving ahead with a five-year plan that may rankle trade partners.

In an era marked by President Donald Trump’s wars and trade turbulence, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is counting on a plan to shield his country from the storm and win its race with the US: driving innovation to transform China into a global tech superpower.

By Ella Cao and Naveen Thukral BEIJING/SINGAPORE, March 13 (Reuters) - Tighter phytosanitary checks are hitting Brazilian soybean shipments to China, threatening to squeeze supplies to the world's top importer after authorities in the South American country stepped up inspections at Beijing's request.

American officials have said for years that they would prioritize the Indo-Pacific. Now they’re moving warships, missiles and air defenses out for a war in the Middle East.

Air China Ltd. will resume direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang on March 30, according to booking information on travel platform Ctrip.com.

China is signaling it will stay focused on technology and economic growth, even as U.S. tensions with Iran rise.

Beijing’s decades-long push to reduce its dependence on foreign oil with huge investments in clean energy sources like electric vehicles is now paying off.

Iran has confirmed strategic military cooperation with Russia and China, while the Strait of Hormuz is closed to US and Israeli vessels.