Pacific Winds 20230303
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
US seeks allies' backing for possible China sanctions over Ukraine war
Reuters 20230301
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-seeks-allies-backing-possible-china-sanctions-over-ukraine-war-sources-2023-03-01/
Biden’s best tool for halting a slide in U.S.-China relations? His phone.
WaPo 20230302
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/01/biden-xi-jinping-us-china-relations/
‘Destabilizing and dangerous’: Pentagon official warns of communication breakdown with China
Breaking Defense 20230302
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/destabilizing-and-dangerous-pentagon-official-warns-of-communication-breakdown-with-china/
EU, NATO Mull Meeting With Indo-Pacific Nations
Japan Times 20230302
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/europe/20230302-94528/
"Asia-Pacific version of NATO" created to threaten regional security and stability
China Military 20230302
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16205343.html
Who will pay the price for US' proxies
China Military 20230303
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16205414.html
Allies, Partners Central to U.S. Integrated Deterrence Effort
US DoD 20230301
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3315827/allies-partners-central-to-us-integrated-deterrence-effort/
Philippines discussing security cooperation with Singapore, Vietnam
PhilStar 20230302
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/02/2248664/philippines-discussing-security-cooperation-singapore-vietnam
U.S. supports Yoon's vision for S. Korea-Japan relations: State Dept.
Yonhap 20230302
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230302000300325
Yoon 'sleepwalks' to US' lullaby as he is criticized for fawning words to Japan on national independence movement day
GT 20230302
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286539.shtml
Hopefully, South Korea won't turn itself into a pawn of the US while it could be a geopolitical player
GT 20230302
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286552.shtml
U.S. Chips Act raises biz uncertainty for Samsung, SK hynix
Yonhap 20230302
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230302003352320?section=news
The Future of the China-US Chip War
The Diplomat 20230302
https://thediplomat.com/2023/03/the-future-of-the-china-us-chip-war/
Clues to the U.S.-Dutch-Japanese Semiconductor Export Controls Deal Are Hiding in Plain Sight
CSIS 20230301
https://www.csis.org/analysis/clues-us-dutch-japanese-semiconductor-export-controls-deal-are-hiding-plain-sight
USTR Releases President Biden’s 2023 Trade Policy Agenda and 2022 Annual Report
USTR 20230301
https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/2023%20Trade%20Policy%20Agenda%20and%202022%20Annual%20Report%20FINAL%20(1).pdf
USTR to review China tariffs amid increasing pressure as absurd policy consumes its economy
GT 20230302
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286541.shtml?s=08
Washington needs to ditch its America-first approach to critical minerals
ASPI 20230302
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/washington-needs-to-ditch-its-america-first-approach-to-critical-minerals/
China-Australia trade officials hit ‘snag’ as they begin meetings, with talk of wine, lobsters and logs
SCMP 20230302
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3212050/china-australia-trade-officials-hit-snag-they-begin-meetings-talk-wine-lobsters-and-logs
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Exercise Agile Reaper 23-1 Kicks Off in Guam, Tinian
US IndoPaCom 20230302
https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3316910/exercise-agile-reaper-23-1-kicks-off-in-guam-tinian/
US Deploys F-22 Raptors From Japan To Mariana Islands As USAF Trains For Battle In Contested Environment
EastAsian Times 20230302
https://eurasiantimes.com/edited-us-air-force-deploys-f-22-raptors-from-kadena-to-mariana-islands/
Island Waves
Australia joins Vanuatu's campaign to push for consequences for climate-harming countries through the ICJ
ABC (AU) 20230302
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-02/australia-joins-vanuatu-campaign-legal-consequence-climate-harm/102043644
In the Face of Climate Change, the Pacific Leads Boldly
The Diplomat 20230301
https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/in-the-face-of-climate-change-the-pacific-leads-boldly/
Pacific Elders: Japan's plan to dump toxic water into Pacific Ocean breaches human rights
PIT 20230302
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/pacific-elders-japan-s-plan-to-dump-toxic-water-into-pacific-ocean-breaches-human-rights
India’s engagements with the Pacific Island Countries
Khmer Times 20230301
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501247923/indias-engagements-with-the-pacific-island-countries/
US investment talks challenge China to step up in the South Pacific
SCMP 20230302
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3212106/us-investment-talks-challenge-china-step-south-pacific
Murdered Papua New Guinea Ports Official Benefitted From Suspect Offshore Payments
Pandora Papers 20230302
https://www.occrp.org/en/the-pandora-papers/murdered-papua-new-guinea-ports-official-benefitted-from-suspect-offshore-payments
Beijing-Linked Solomons Government Moves to Declare CCP-Critic a Foreign Agent
Epoch Times 20230302
https://www.theepochtimes.com/beijing-linked-solomons-government-moves-to-declare-ccp-critic-a-foreign-agent_5093464.html
US Embassy grants US$100,000 to educate girls in Fiji and Tonga
Matangi Tonga 20230302
https://matangitonga.to/2023/03/02/us-embassy-grants-us100000-educate-girls-fiji-and-tonga
SIG and Japan sign off assistance to procure much needed medical equipment for Solomon Islands
Solomon Star 20230302
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/sig-and-japan-sign-off-assistance-to-procure-much-needed-medical-equipment-for-solomon-islands/
China and ASEAN to meet next week to discuss code of conduct on South China Sea
Straits Times 20230302
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/china-and-asean-to-meet-next-week-to-discuss-code-of-conduct-on-south-china-sea
Taiwan
US naming China top national security threat as it boosts alliances deters Taiwan invasion: Pentagon
SCMP 20230302
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3212157/us-naming-china-top-national-security-threat-it-boosts-alliances-deters-taiwan-invasion-pentagon?module=live&pgtype=homepage
Taiwan military to get $619 million U.S. arms boost as China keeps up pressure
Reuters 20230302
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-reports-21-chinese-air-force-planes-entered-its-air-defence-zone-2023-03-02/
US approves $918 million in new weapon sales to Taiwan as Chinese military jets enter air defence identification zone
ABC (AU) 20230302
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-02/us-taiwan-weapon-sales-china-military-jets-adiz/102045596
US approval of arms sales to Taiwan island slammed for escalating tensions
GT 20230302
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286570.shtml
Mainland issues stern warning against Taiwan arms sales
China Daily 20230303
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/VOICES/16205411.html
The True Costs of War Over Taiwan
Tom Dispatch 20230302
https://tomdispatch.com/at-the-brink-of-war-in-the-pacific/
The world after Taiwan’s fall
Asia Times 20230302
https://asiatimes.com/2023/03/the-world-after-taiwans-fall/
Study: https://pacforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Issues_and_Insights_Vol23_SR2.pdf
Singapore’s foreign minister urges US and China to de-escalate tensions in Taiwan Strait at G-20 talks
Straits Times 20230303
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/vivian-balakrishnan-urges-us-and-china-to-de-escalate-tensions-in-taiwan-strait-at-g-20-talks
A Test of Will: Why Taiwan Matters
Hudson 20230302
https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/Transcript+A+Test+of+Will+Why+Taiwan+Matters.pdf
China and US flex military might around Taiwan as tensions flare between rivals
SCMP 20230302
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212081/china-and-us-flex-military-might-around-taiwan-tensions-flare-between-rivals
Taiwan reports second day of large Chinese incursion into its air defence zone
Reuters 20230302
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-reports-21-chinese-air-force-planes-entered-its-air-defence-zone-2023-03-02/
Taiwan tracks 29 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around country
Taiwan News 20230302
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4825059
China's Feb incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ up by 61% from 2022
Taiwan News 20230302
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4825142
Former China, Taiwan national security official appointed AIT chair
CNA (TW) 20230302
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202303020005
Taiwan military to simulate amphibious landings on beaches
Taiwan News 20230302
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4825378
Capabilities
The US Air Force's big plan to spread out and take on China may actually make things easier for Beijing
BI 20230301
https://www.businessinsider.com/us-air-force-ace-concept-creates-logistics-base-defense-needs-2023-3
Karlin Reiterates Defense Strategy Focused on Chinese and Russian Threats
Air & Space 20230301
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/karlin-reiterates-integrated-defense-strategy-with-focus-on-chinese-and-russian-threats/
China’s Imports of Russian Uranium Spark Fear of New Arms Race
Bloomberg 20230228
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-01/china-nuclear-trade-with-russia-risks-tipping-military-balance
Building a More Resilient Indo-Pacific Security Architecture: A Conversation with DoD’s Ely Ratner and Lindsey Ford
Hudson 20230302
https://hudsonevents.simplecast.com/episodes/building-a-more-resilient-indo-pacific-security-architecture-a-conversation-with-dods-ely-ratner-and-lindsey-ford
Military Deterrence in an Era of Strategic Competition: A Conversation with HON Christine E. Wormuth, 25th U.S. Secretary of the Army
CSIS 20230301
https://www.csis.org/analysis/military-deterrence-era-strategic-competition-conversation-hon-christine-e-wormuth-25th-us
U.S. will focus on enhancing deterrence against N. Korean threats: U.S. official
Yonhap 20230303
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230303000200325?section=news
‘Wake-up call’: China takes stunning lead in race for tech domination
SMH 20230302
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/wake-up-call-china-takes-stunning-lead-in-race-for-tech-domination-20230301-p5conv.html
Report: https://techtracker.aspi.org.au/
China on track to dominate development of critical future technologies, ASPI report says
ABC (AU) 20230302
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-02/china-critical-future-technologies-west-aspi-report/102041318
China Sees Balloon-Launched Drone Swarms In Its Future
The Drive 20230302
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/china-sees-balloon-launched-drone-swarms-in-its-future
S. Korean Navy gets new frigate with reinforced anti-sub capabilities
Yonhap 20230302
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230302001700325?section=news
With Indo-Pacific in mind, Army eyeing heavy support ship prototyping competition
Breaking Defense 20230301
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/with-indo-pacific-in-mind-army-eyeing-heavy-support-ship-prototyping-competition/
Raytheon wins $250M contract to build missile warning/tracking sats to monitor Chinese launches
Breaking Defense 20230302
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/raytheon-wins-250m-contract-to-build-missile-warning-tracking-sats-to-monitor-chinese-launches/
Defense News: https://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/space/2023/03/02/raytheon-to-make-seven-missile-tracking-satellites-for-us-space-agency/
Space News: https://spacenews.com/raytheon-wins-250-million-contract-for-missile-tracking-satellites/
Aussie Space Command looks to electronic warfare, other tech to deter attacks on satellites
Breaking Defense 20230302
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/aussie-space-command-looks-to-electronic-warfare-other-tech-to-deter-attacks-on-satellites/
Defence contractors target Australia as it gears up to counter China
Reuters 20230302
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/defence-contractors-target-australia-it-gears-up-counter-china-2023-03-02/
Will the F-35 ever become the primary fighter jet it was supposed to be?
S&S 20230302
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2023-03-01/stealth-fighter-navy-9286473.html
Cruise Missiles Could Get Added To MQ-9’s Arsenal
The Drive 20230301
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/cruise-missiles-could-get-added-to-mq-9s-arsenal
Power
Economic diplomacy: Arming up for war and trade
Lowy 20230302
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/economic-diplomacy-arming-war-trade
Powerless and ridiculous for US to cry for its recognition as regional leader
GT 20230302
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286529.shtml
Crusade of 21st Century -- America's attempt to maintain global dominance
Xinhua 20230302
https://english.news.cn/20230302/98c395c718e849688732336d22465a60/c.html
China Will Attack U.S. Soil if Tensions Boil Over: Army Secretary
Newsweek 20230302
https://www.newsweek.com/china-attack-america-tensions-army-secretary-1785112
Five key takeaways from US House hearing on China
Asia Times 20230302
https://asiatimes.com/2023/03/five-key-takeaways-from-us-house-hearing-on-china/
Exercises
PLA Navy holds 1st amphibious assault ship far sea drills in West Pacific
GT 20230302
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286534.shtml
Japan- U.S. Bilateral Exercise
JMSDF 20230302
https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/en/release/202303/20230302_en.pdf