MANILA, March 16 (Reuters) - The Philippines said on Monday it rejected Beijing's assertion of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, disputing a claim by China's embassy that a Filipino diplomat had once conceded the disputed Scarborough Shoal was not part of Philippine territory.

A preference for strategic flexibility has left Beijing dependent on a narrow set of “allies” whose usefulness is limited – especially in times of crisis.

After a mysterious lull of nearly two weeks, China has resumed provocative aerial missions toward Taiwan. Ahead of the US President Donald Trump’s visit to China and an arms sale to Taiwan, the Chinese behaviour has troubled officials and analysts as they have struggled to understand if it’s a warning or an olive branch.

The two sides discussed new formal mechanisms to help manage trade and investment that may be considered by Trump and Xi in ‌Beijing, sources told Reuters.

The planned resumption of passenger ​flights between the capital ‌cities of China and North Korea will facilitate friendly ​exchanges between the ​two peoples, Chinese foreign ⁠ministry spokesperson Lin ​Jian said on Monday.

In quick succession, US President Donald Trump has taken out two of Beijing’s closest allies: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

China accused of enabling Russia's war while offering Ukraine humanitarian aid at Munich conference. U.S. official says Beijing could end conflict.

BEIJING, March 13 (Reuters) - Air China will resume weekly flights from Beijing to the North Korean capital Pyongyang from March 30 onwards, co-founder of tour operator Young Pioneer Tours told Reuters on Friday,

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