China’s civil aviation authority has dialled up its safety-focused communications with some foreign carriers from Southeast Asia in recent months to enhance ties, communication and oversight. An aviation analyst said the move was made in light of changing operational practices, adding that air travel in the country remained safe. In one recent interaction, the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s (CAAC)’s southwest regional office held a meeting with AirAsia Group at the end of July to “continuously strengthen safety operations and reinforce the primary safety responsibility of foreign airlines”, according to mainland Chinese media reports citing a CAAC circular. In attendance were AirAsia’s senior management members, including the group chief safety officer, the CEO of AirAsia X – the company’s long-haul service subsidiary – as well as the China regional manager and engineering director, among others. AirAsia briefed CAAC officials on its China operations and compliance plans to further enhance safety, the reports said. In response, CAAC officials “fully affirmed” AirAsia’s efforts, track record and cooperation. AirAsia did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the South China Morning Post.