U.S. eases tariffs on some Chinese goods

• The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has decided to restore the duty exclusions on 352 categories of Chinese products out of 549 eligible items. The goods subject to the exemption include consumer goods, manufacturing components, and medical equipment.

U.S.-Russia relations worsen further

• The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the Russian forces have “committed war crimes in Ukraine,” the U.S.’s first official accusation of war crimes against Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

• During an interview on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to exclude the use of nuclear weapons when there is an “existential threat” for Russia. When asked about the nuclear weapons, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. has not changed its nuclear posture but signaled possible adjustments in “contingency.”

• On Wednesday, Russian media reported that the country would expel some U.S. diplomats who were “persona non grata” in response to the U.S.’s expulsion of 12 Russian UN staff in late February.

China strengthens ties with Islamic countries

• Wang Yang, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, met with Khalid Hilal Al Ma'awali, Chairman of the Consultative Council of Oman, via video link on Wednesday. The Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member visited Oman in 2019.

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Islamabad as the first top Chinese diplomat to attend the event. The OIC, which hosts 57 member states, is currently chaired by Hussein Ibrahim Taha from Chad. During the trip, Wang met with Taha and foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, and Somalia.

UN failed to pass resolution on Ukraine

• The UN Security Council failed to pass a Russian-drafted resolution on humanitarian aid and civilian protection in Ukraine. Only Russia and China voted for the resolution, while the other 13 members abstained.