Re Air China to PVG: Found a link which I now can't find which included "subject to government approval". Would this be normal even if covered by the bilateral?
Will be interesting to see this other link you have found.
I wouldn't worry hugely about the 'subject to government approval' line. It's often featured at the bottom of many press releases, notably it appeared on the CX press releases for HKG-MAN/ZRH/DUS etc.
As far as I'm aware, the approvals from the government agencies have been gained for this flight, this application is now more for airlines or service partners to object or ask for amendments.