Pacific Winds 20230317

A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region

Alliances

Biden and Xi Are Doomed to Escalation
FP 20230315
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/15/china-us-biden-xi-competition-escalation-aukus-geopolitics/

South Korea and Japan hail spring thaw amid missiles and weight of history
Reuters 20230315
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-yoon-seeks-friend-tokyo-amid-regional-tensions-2023-03-15/

U.S. welcomes S. Korea-Japan summit, 'new chapter' in bilateral cooperation: NSC coordinator
Yonhap 20230317
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230317000200325?section=news

Yoon says he and Kishida agreed to 'completely normalize' military intelligence sharing pact
Yonhap 20230316
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230315007558315?section=news

The Kishida-Yoon Summit Meeting: A New Start for Japan-Korea Relations
CSIS 20230315
https://www.csis.org/analysis/kishida-yoon-summit-meeting-new-start-japan-korea-relations

Japan, South Korean Leaders Hold Summit in Tokyo
Japan News 20230316
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20230316-97697/

Kishida and Yoon to resume ‘shuttle diplomacy’ as chilly ties warm
Japan Times 20230316
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/16/national/kishida-yoon-summit-bilateral-thaw/

Japan should earnestly learn from history, speak and act cautiously in military security field: Defense Spokesperson
China Military 20230316
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163/TopStories_209189/16209886.html

Japan, South Korea business lobbies to launch youth exchange foundations
Kyodo 20230316
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/7337b387975f-urgent-japan-s-korea-business-lobbies-to-launch-youth-exchange-foundations.html

Yoon says S. Korea has no plans to seek reimbursement from Japan after compensating forced labor victims
Yonhap 20230316
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230316008700315?section=news

S.Korea, Japan may reach settlement at bilateral summit under US pressure but forced labor feud hard to heal: analysts
GT 20230316
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1287342.shtml

South Korea wartime laborers file suit to collect money from Japan firm
Kyodo 20230316
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/d19d4aec1c1d-s-korea-wartime-laborers-file-suit-to-collect-money-from-mbishi.html

US, Chinese commands in Pacific aren’t talking, says Indo-Pacific boss
Defense News 20230316
https://www.defensenews.com/global/2023/03/16/us-chinese-commands-in-pacific-arent-talking-says-indo-pacific-boss/

Indo-Pacific Command chief says US will defend freedoms in the region
S&S 20230316
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-03-16/us-defend-indo-pacific-aquilino-9512314.html

Indo-Pacific nations are sitting on a powder keg
Manila Times 20230317
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/17/opinion/editorial/indo-pacific-nations-are-sitting-on-a-powder-keg/1883075

S. Korea withdraws WTO complaint about Japan's export curb
Yonhap 20230316
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230316005453320?section=news

Japan to lift chip material export curbs on South Korea as ties improve
Kyodo 20230316
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/67032887d7b9-urgent-japan-to-cancel-export-controls-on-chip-materials-to-s-korea-seoul.html

How improving South Korea-Japan ties could further weaken a China-centric supply chain
SCMP 20230316
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3213762/how-improving-south-korea-japan-ties-could-further-weaken-china-centric-supply-chain

U.S. chip ban on China to affect global industry: TSMC founder
CNA (TW) 20230316
https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202303160028

China’s sound and fury over AUKUS will mean little for ties with Australia
Guardian (UK) 20230315
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/mar/16/chinas-sound-and-fury-over-aukus-will-mean-little-for-ties-with-australia

Micronesia-Marianas (2^nd Island Chain+)

Missile Defense Agency details evolving, ‘incremental’ vision for Guam air defenses
Breaking Defense 20230316
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/missile-defense-agency-details-evolving-incremental-vision-for-guam-air-defenses/

“[It] is an incremental path. There is no end state,” according to MDA chief Vice Adm. Jon Hill, who noted the military would "beautify" incoming platforms to make them more palatable to locals.

Five Indo-Pacific Nations begin Exercise Sea Dragon
US IndoPaCom 20230315
https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3330524/five-indo-pacific-nations-begin-exercise-sea-dragon/

MQ-4C Triton Concludes U.S. 7th Fleet Deployment, Looks to the Future
USN 20230316
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3331096/mq-4c-triton-concludes-us-7th-fleet-deployment-looks-to-the-future/

Admiral lists requirements for free Eagles Field lease
PDN 20230316
https://www.guampdn.com/news/admiral-lists-requirements-for-free-eagles-field-lease/article_3e88abd6-c3b8-11ed-a7e5-c77cc4da2d38.html

Admiral explains his side of the story in fight over property eyed for medical complex
KUAM 20230316
https://www.kuam.com/story/48558857/admiral-explains-his-side-of-the-story-in-fight-over-property-eyed-for-medical-complex

Senators request oversight hearing following audit on military projects
GDP 20230317
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/senators-request-oversight-hearing-following-audit-on-military-projects/article_af43806e-c23f-11ed-82b7-132153826fd0.html

Army to help MEC
MIJ 20230316
https://marshallislandsjournal.com/army-to-help-mec/

Island Waves

The Pacific Islands can benefit from an India-Australia development partnership
DevPolicy 20230316
https://devpolicy.org/pacific-islands-can-benefit-from-india-australia-development-partnership-20230316/

Japan hands over new modern airport facility to SI
Solomon Star 20230316
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/japan-hands-over-new-modern-airport-facility-to-si/

ADF delivers vital medical supplies
AU DoD 20230316
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-03-16/adf-delivers-vital-medical-supplies

NZ commits $10m in budget support
FBCN 20230316
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/nz-commits-10m-in-budget-support/

'Our friendship and cooperation continues to grow from strength to strength': Fiji's Sitiveni Rabuka welcomes NZ support
Radio NZ 20230316
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/486113/our-friendship-and-cooperation-continues-to-grow-from-strength-to-strength-fiji-s-sitiveni-rabuka-weclomes-nz-support

China reaffirms commitment for Fiji
FBCN 20230317
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/china-reaffirms-its-commitment-for-fiji/

Papua New Guinea fisheries minister strongly opposes Japan's plan to dump nuclear-contaminated water
GT 20230317
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1287461.shtml

EU eyes port calls, joint exercises with Philippines in South China Sea
Manila Times 20230316
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/16/2252153/eu-eyes-port-calls-joint-exercises-philippines-south-china-sea

Chinese Coast Guard Drives Away Japanese Boats from Disputed Waters near Diaoyu Islands
China Arms 20230316
https://www.china-arms.com/2023/03/china-drives-away-japan-boats-near-diaoyu-islands/

China, Japan trade accusations over maritime incursions
S&S (AP) 20230316
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-03-16/china-japan-coast-guard-maritime-incursions-9509088.html

Okinawa to run simulation of evacuation from an enemy attack
Asahi Shimbun 20230316
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14862793

Taiwan

Eye on Taiwan, US-Philippines to stage largest-ever wargames
Asia Times 20230316
https://asiatimes.com/2023/03/eye-on-taiwan-us-philippines-to-stage-largest-ever-wargames/

Taiwan is feeling the pressure from Russian and Chinese autocracy
Brookings 20230316
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2023/03/16/taiwan-is-feeling-the-pressure-from-russian-and-chinese-autocracy/

Taiwan question, first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations: Defense Spokesperson
China Military 20230316
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163/TopStories_209189/16209903.html

Taiwan tracks 19 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around country
Taiwan News 2030316
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4836975

Capabilities

N. Korea fires one ICBM ahead of S. Korea-Japan summit: military
Yonhap 20230316
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230316000754325

North Korea escalates tensions with fresh ballistic missile tests
Guardian 20230316
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/14/north-korea-escalates-tensions-with-fresh-ballistic-missile-tests

Yoon warns N. Korea will pay for provocations
Yonhap 20230316
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230316001900315

US Army chief wants three multidomain task force units in the Pacific
Defense News 20230315
https://www.defensenews.com/smr/defending-the-pacific/2023/03/15/us-army-chief-wants-three-multidomain-task-force-units-in-the-pacific/

Japan battles to persuade its big brands to join military buildout
Reuters 20230315
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-battles-persuade-its-big-brands-join-military-buildout-2023-03-15/

Japan’s return to path of militarisation ‘dangerous’: China’s defence ministry
Straits Times 20230316
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japans-return-to-path-of-militarisation-dangerous-china-defence-ministry

A Solution for Japan’s Military Mismatch
FP 20230315
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/15/japan-military-defense-navy-army-kishida-personnel-gsdf-msdf-jsdf/

Space Force: We expect to see ‘interfering, blinding’ of satellites during conflict
Space News 20230314
https://spacenews.com/space-force-we-expect-to-see-interfering-blinding-of-satellites-during-conflict/

China's U.S. balloon flight was a signal of its war preparations
Nikkei 20230316
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/China-s-U.S.-balloon-flight-was-a-signal-of-its-war-preparations

Australia Cleared To Gain Tomahawk Cruise Missile Capability
The Drive 20230316
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/australia-cleared-to-gain-tomahawk-cruise-missile-capability

AUKUS defines an emerging alliance at sea
Brookings 20230315
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2023/03/15/around-the-halls-aukus-defines-an-emerging-alliance-at-sea/

Two former prime ministers push back on AUKUS, but will it matter?
Breaking Defense 20230316
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/two-former-prime-ministers-push-back-on-aukus-but-will-it-matter/

Australia’s Albanese hits back at critics of AUKUS submarine deal
SCMP 20230316
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3213707/australias-albanese-hits-back-critics-aukus-submarine-deal

Coast Guard Requests Budget Cut for Fiscal 2024
Military.com 20230316
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/16/coast-guard-requests-budget-cut-fiscal-2024.html

Marine littoral regiment fends off traditional regiment in exercise
Marine Corps Times 20230316
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/03/16/marine-littoral-regiment-fends-off-traditional-regiment-in-exercise/

Is the LPD-17 Flight II Amphib Worth It? Depends Who You Ask
Defense One 20230316
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2023/03/lpd-flight-ii-amphib-worth-it-depends-who-you-ask/384066/

Pentagon starts work on secretive experiment to aid long-range fires
Defense News 20230316
https://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/2023/03/16/pentagon-starts-work-on-secretive-joint-rapid-experimentation/

Commerce eases satellite exports to MTCR partners; South Korea a key focus
Breaking Defense 20230316
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/commerce-eases-satellite-exports-to-mtcr-partners-south-korea-a-key-focus/

LEO constellations are starting to disrupt GEO capacity contracts
Space News 20230316
https://spacenews.com/leo-constellations-are-starting-to-disrupt-geo-capacity-contracts/

South Korea To Procure SM-6 Missiles And Develop Naval L-SAM
Naval News 20230316
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/03/south-korea-to-procure-sm-6-missiles-and-develop-naval-l-sam/

India-Russia defence firm eyes $200 mln missile deal with Indonesia
Reuters 20230315
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-russia-defence-firm-eyes-200-mln-missile-deal-with-indonesia-2023-03-15/

Don’t Expect Navy Robots In South China Sea Anytime Soon, CNO Says
Defense One 20230316
https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2023/03/dont-expect-navy-robots-south-china-sea-anytime-soon-chief-says/384100/

Power

Managing Strategic Competition and the Quest for an Enduring Future in the Indo-Pacific
IISS 20230316
https://www.iiss.org/events/2023/03/managing-strategic-competition-and-the-quest-for-an-enduring-future-in-the-indo-pacific

Exercises

North Korea is particularly antsy right now. Here’s why.
WaPo 20230315
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/15/north-korea-us-south-military-drills/

Chinese troops set out for China-Cambodia joint exercise amid intensive foreign military exchanges
GT 20230316
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1287431.shtml

Events

Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, 40 Years Later
Heritage March 23, 2023 10-11AM EDT
https://www.heritage.org/defense/event/ronald-reagans-strategic-defense-initiative-40-years-later

Missile Defense at 40
CSIS 24 March 2023 9AM-2PM EDT
https://www.csis.org/events/missile-defense-40