Pacific Winds 20230307
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Japan to uphold apology after South Korea settles wartime labor issue
Kyodo 20230306
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/bc515daa7c64-japan-to-uphold-apology-after-s-korea-settles-wartime-labor-issue.html
South Korea companies to pay to resolve forced labour dispute with Japan
Reuters 20230306
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-announce-plans-resolve-forced-labour-dispute-with-japan-2023-03-06/
Yoon says forced labor decision aimed at moving toward future-oriented relationship with Japan
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306008351315?section=news
Seoul's controversial plan for forced labor compensation reflects urgency of security partnership with Tokyo: experts
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306005700325?section=news
South Korea faces backlash for ‘humiliating’ deal over Japan forced labour row
SCMP 20230306
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3212515/south-koreas-yoon-rushes-compensation-deal-forced-labour-row-he-seeks-mend-ties-japan
S. Korea announces donation-based compensation for Japan's forced labor, sparks victims' protests
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306001753325
Instead of Japan Firms, Seoul Plans to Pay Requisitioned Workers
Japan News 20230306
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20230306-95514/
Forced labor compensation plan faces legal obstacles
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306010200315?section=news
Japan-S. Korea wartime labor row still far from fundamental solution
Kyodo 20230306
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/1bb21bb19c07-focus-japan-s-korea-wartime-labor-row-still-far-from-fundamental-solution.html
Civic groups condemn S. Korea's proposal to end forced labor dispute with Japan
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306008051315?section=news
Historical Disputes Kept Them at Odds. Can Seoul and Tokyo Make Amends?
NYTimes 20230306
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/world/asia/south-korea-japan-forced-labor.html
S. Korea to halt WTO dispute settlement process on Japan's export curbs: industry ministry
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306006252320?section=news
Japan and South Korea Turn the Page
CSIS 20230306
https://www.csis.org/analysis/japan-and-south-korea-turn-page
China, Like Russia, Is Pressured by Reinvigorated U.S. Alliances
WSJ 20230306
https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-like-russia-is-pressured-by-reinvigorated-u-s-alliances-87b28ec3
EDCA and looming dangers
Manila Times 20230305
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/05/opinion/columns/edca-and-looming-dangers/1881301
U.S.-Australia Track 1.5 Dialogue on Strategic Stability: Considering Tipping Points
CSIS 20230306
https://www.csis.org/analysis/us-australia-track-15-dialogue-strategic-stability-considering-tipping-points
Federal government blocks Yuxiao Fund's bid to increase its stake in Northern Minerals
ABC (AU) 20230306
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-01/government-blocks-yuxiao-fund-increase-stake-northern-minerals/102036224
US’ attempts to drive wedge between China, EU by hyping Chinese ‘arms aid’ to Russia doomed to fail: analysts
GT 20230306
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286748.shtml
China's chip sector needs more than state money to dull impact of US restriction
Reuters 20230306
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-chip-sector-needs-more-than-state-money-dull-impact-us-restrictions-2023-03-06/
China says US trying to 'deprive' it of right to develop in tech row
Reuters 20230306
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-us-trying-deprive-it-right-develop-tech-row-2023-03-06/
Beijing blames widening US economic gap on high inflation, strong dollar
SCMP 20230306
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3212548/china-gdp-beijing-blames-widening-us-economic-gap-high-inflation-strong-dollar
Woe to Chinese property buyers in the US: China-US tensions trickling to grassroots
Think China 20230306
https://www.thinkchina.sg/woe-chinese-property-buyers-us-china-us-tensions-trickling-grassroots
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
American legal expert: Marshall Islands voters must approve Compact
Marianas Variety 20230306
https://www.mvariety.com/news/american-legal-expert-marshall-islands-voters-must-approve-compact/article_793f7af6-bb0d-11ed-a79b-4383d9693c7c.html
Island Waves
Appointment of Baron Waqa to PIF leadership subject to ‘more review and considerations’, says FSM president
PINA 20230306
https://pina.com.fj/2023/03/06/appointment-of-baron-waqa-to-pif-leadership-subject-to-more-review-and-considerations-says-fsm-president/
Sea of Western flags in Oceania?
DevPolicy 20230306
https://devpolicy.org/sea-of-western-flags-in-oceania-20230306/
Understanding China’s efforts to undermine partnerships in the Pacific
ASPI 20230307
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/understanding-chinas-efforts-to-undermine-partnerships-in-the-pacific/
Seeking to undermine democracy and partnerships
ASPI 20230307
https://www.aspi.org.au/report/seeking-undermine-democracy-and-partnerships
Australia and NZ sending cyclone relief to Vanuatu
Islands Business 20230306
https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/australia-and-nz-sending-cyclone-relief-to-vanuatu/
Australia sending rapid response team, HMAS Canberra to assist clean-up after 'evil twin' cyclones smash Vanuatu
ABC (AU) 20230306
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-06/vanuatu-in-recovery-mode-after-cyclone-disaster/102058182
Globemaster's welcome delivery to Port Vila
AU DoD 20230306
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-03-06/globemasters-welcome-delivery-port-vila
Australia supports Vanuatu after tropical cyclones
AU DoD 20230306
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-03-06/australia-supports-vanuatu-after-tropical-cyclones
China using AI for decisive edge in South China Sea
Asia Times 20230306
https://asiatimes.com/2023/03/china-using-ai-for-decisive-edge-in-south-china-sea/
Joint patrol of Philippines, US, Japan and Australia in South China Sea may complicate disputes
China Military 2230306
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16206432.html
Military spending act stirs new Red Hill worries
S&S 20230305
https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-03-05/military-spending-red-hill-9365596.html
Taiwan
The Prospects for a Recalibration of China’s Taiwan Policy
The Diplomat 20230305
https://thediplomat.com/2023/03/the-prospects-for-a-recalibration-of-chinas-taiwan-policy/
Speaker Kevin McCarthy to meet Taiwan’s president in US to avoid China’s ire
FT 20230306
https://www.ft.com/content/69b627fc-ab7f-4b19-9ea3-5c308d81c6ef
China ‘two sessions’: Taiwan reference seen as PLA brass calls for focus on ‘urban operations’
SCMP 20230306
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212572/china-two-sessions-taiwan-reference-seen-pla-brass-calls-focus-urban-operations
Taiwan warns of China military's 'sudden entry' close to island
Reuters 20230306
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-defence-minister-warns-china-militarys-sudden-entry-into-areas-close-2023-03-06/
Taiwan Defense Ministry prepares for close incursion
Taiwan News 20230306
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4827980
Taiwan defence officials grilled as troops ask ‘where’s the beef?’
SCMP 20230306
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212509/taiwan-defence-officials-grilled-troops-ask-wheres-beef
US missile sale shows trust in Taipei
Taipei Times 20230307
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/03/07/2003795641
Kinmen, Matsu military presence pointless: former DPP Chairman
Taiwan News 20230306
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4828127
How Can the World Prevent China from Taking Over Taiwan? Look to India
Hudson 20230306
https://www.hudson.org/defense-strategy/how-can-world-prevent-china-taking-over-taiwan-look-india
51% of Americans back strong stance against China to prevent Taiwan invasion
Taiwan News 20230306
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4827880
Chinese PLAAF Conducts Early Morning ‘Raid’ Near Taiwan’s ADIZ; J-11 Flanker Used To Track Foreign Aircraft Over SCS
EurAsian Times 20230306
https://eurasiantimes.com/chinese-plaaf-conduct-early-morning-raid-near-taiwans/
Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around country
Taiwan News 20230306
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4827713
Capabilities
China Can ‘Cripple’ The US Navy In Western Pacific Exactly Like Ukraine Did To Russia In Kherson: Analysis
EurAsian Times 20230306
https://eurasiantimes.com/china-can-cripple-the-us-navy-in-western-pacific-exactly-like-ukraine-did-to-russia-in-kherson-analyis/
China sets out economic, political, military vision
Reuters 20230305
https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/global-markets-view-asia-graphic-pix-2023-03-05/
China hints at carrier-borne airpower breakthrough
Asia Times 20230306
https://asiatimes.com/2023/03/china-hints-at-carrier-borne-airpower-breakthrough/
China’s military to refocus on R&D after decade-long hardware drive: analysts
SCMP 20230306
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212562/chinas-military-refocus-rd-after-decade-long-hardware-drive-analysts
Pentagon Sees Giant Cargo Cranes as Possible Chinese Spying Tools
WSJ 20230305
https://www.wsj.com/articles/pentagon-sees-giant-cargo-cranes-as-possible-chinese-spying-tools-887c4ade?reflink=share_mobilewebshare
US 'spying' port cranes allegation is groundless, misleading: ministry
GT 20230306
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286761.shtml
DARPA moves General Atomics’ ‘LongShot’ drone pitch to phase 2
Breaking Defense 20230306
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/darpa-moves-general-atomics-longshot-drone-pitch-to-phase-2/
A supermajority of South Koreans want nukes: polls
Responsible Statecraft 20230306
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/03/06/a-supermajority-of-south-koreans-want-nukes-polls/
Scott Morrison calls for significant boost in defence investment as he warns Australia could not 'resist' an attack from China
Sky (AU) 20230306
https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/defence-and-foreign-affairs/scott-morrison-calls-for-significant-boost-in-defence-investment-as-he-warns-australia-could-not-resist-an-attack-from-china/news-story/529913f9fd194cef568ce152e2af2460
Marine combat engineers no longer capable of supporting the infantry
Marine Times 20230306
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/opinion/2023/03/06/marine-combat-engineers-no-longer-capable-of-supporting-the-infantry/
Singapore expects defence spending to increase ‘literally all over the world’, top diplomat says
SCMP 20230306
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3212481/singapore-expects-defence-spending-increase-literally-all-over-world-top-diplomat-says
Power
It’s an irreversible trend for China’s economy to catch up with the US’
GT 20230306
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1286722.shtml
The U.S. Is Not Yet Ready for the Era of ‘Great Power’ Conflict
WSJ 20230306
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-military-china-taiwan-russia-great-power-conflict-481f7756
Exercises
Japan- U.S. Bilateral Exercise (Cope Angel)
JMSDF 20230306
https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/en/release/202303/20230306_en.pdf
S. Korea, U.S. hold joint air drills involving U.S. B-52H bomber
Yonhap 20230306
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230306006551325?section=news
USN Fleet and Marine Tracker: March 6, 2023
USNI 20230306
https://news.usni.org/2023/03/06/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-march-6-2023
Events
Managing Strategic Competition and the Quest for an Enduring Future in the Indo-Pacific
IISS 16 March 2023 5:00-6:00 AM EST
https://www.iiss.org/events/2023/03/managing-strategic-competition-and-the-quest-for-an-enduring-future-in-the-indo-pacific