"China's top nuclear experts have increased their estimates of North Korea's nuclear weapons production well beyond most previous U.S. figures, suggesting Pyongyang can make enough warheads to threaten regional security for the U.S. and its allies. The latest Chinese estimates, relayed in a closed-door meeting with U.S. nuclear specialists, showed that North Korea may already have 20 warheads, as well as the capability of producing enough weapons-grade uranium to double its arsenal by next year, according to people briefed on the matter. A well-stocked nuclear armory in North Korea ramps up security fears in Japan and South Korea, neighboring U.S. allies that could seek their own nuclear weapons in defense. Washington has mutual defense treaties with Seoul and Tokyo, which mean an attack on South Korea or Japan is regarded as an attack on the U.S.," writes The Wall Street Journal.
"Hong Kong's government officially unveiled its plan for electoral reform yesterday. As expected, the proposal - which will be put to a vote this summer - is in essence a rehash of the controversial blueprint approved by Beijing's National People's Congress Standing Committee last August...The major concession to last year's massive 'Occupy Central protests,' which denounced the NPCSC plan, is that the new proposal allows candidates to enter the nominating process after being approved by only 120 members of the 1,200-strong nominating committee. However, the final three candidates (which will be the public's only options for the popular vote) will still need to be approved by at least half of the committee," reports The Diplomat.
An opinion article from Al Jazeera America writes, "Beijing's new land-reclamation strategy in the South China Sea has been ringing alarm bells in the region and has prompted the U.S. to accuse China of attempting to force its way to de facto control of disputed waters...China's land reclamation projects are likely to continue over the coming months, creating worries about military plans. The projects could permit Beijing to utilize more tools to push its influence in the South China Sea, such as long-range radar, advanced missile systems and eventually aircraft. The Chinese appear to be constructing an airfield on the disputed Fiery Cross Reef despite protests from Washington, its allies and partners. This could be the advance that would enable Beijing to assert its control in the skies around the disputed sea.