Pacific Winds 20230329
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Japan, Philippines, U.S. to set up 3-way security framework
Kyodo 20230328
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/6da3b3136c62-breaking-news-japan-philippines-us-to-set-up-3-way-security-framework.html
Japan's foreign minister eyes China visit Saturday
Nikkei 20230329
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-s-foreign-minister-eyes-China-visit-Saturday
Lee’s China visit highlights ASEAN countries’ concern of worsening regional security situation
GT 20230328
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1288122.shtml
New Zealand may join AUKUS pact’s non-nuclear component
Guardian 20230328
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/28/new-zealand-may-join-aukus-pacts-non-nuclear-component
The AUKUS Alliance Has a Lot More to Offer Than Submarines
CFR 20230327
https://www.cfr.org/blog/aukus-alliance-has-lot-more-offer-submarines
AUKUS Success Will Depend on Long-term Political Will, Says Regional Expert
USNI 20230327
https://news.usni.org/2023/03/27/aukus-success-will-depend-on-long-term-political-will-says-regional-expert
The economics of AUKUS
Lowy 20230328
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/economics-aukus
Australia’s warmongering news media should be ashamed of themselves
SCMP 20230328
https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3215139/australias-warmongering-news-media-should-be-ashamed-themselves
Impediments To ‘Indo-Pacific’ Becoming A Recognizable Unit – Analysis
Eurasia Review 20230328
https://www.eurasiareview.com/28032023-impediments-to-indo-pacific-becoming-a-recognizable-unit-analysis/
Singapore, Malaysia to showcase ‘proactive’ China diplomacy – but don’t expect any ‘fireworks’
SCMP 20230328
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3215042/boao-forum-singapore-malaysia-showcase-proactive-china-diplomacy-dont-expect-any-fireworks
US uses ‘ideological bias to split world,’ aims for confrontation
GT 20230328
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1288138.shtml
Japan waters down wartime wrongdoings, ups territorial claim in new school textbooks
Yonhap 20230328
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230328005800325?section=news
S. Korea voices 'deep regrets' over Japan's controversial history textbooks
Yonhap 20230328
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230328005851325?section=news
As ties crumble, Chinese spy law could see more Japanese citizens detained
Japan Times 20230328
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/28/national/politics-diplomacy/china-japan-espionage-nationals-detain/
Lawmakers Rebuke Biden for Bypassing Congress in Trade Deal With Japan
NYTimes 20230328
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/28/business/economy/us-japan-battery-trade-deal.html
China spent $240 billion bailing out 'Belt & Road' countries, study shows
Reuters 20230327
https://www.reuters.com/markets/china-spent-240-bln-bailing-out-belt-road-countries-study-2023-03-27/
Chinese FM denounces 'debt trap' accusation
GT 20230328
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1288132.shtml
Chip equipment exports to China tumble as U.S. pushes decoupling
Nikkei 20230329
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/Chip-equipment-exports-to-China-tumble-as-U.S.-pushes-decoupling
China to remain world production hub despite US ‘decoupling’ push
GT 20230328
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1288121.shtml
China's response to U.S. curbs a risk for Taiwan: MediaTek chairman
Nikkei 20230328
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/China-s-response-to-U.S.-curbs-a-risk-for-Taiwan-MediaTek-chairman
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Taiwan delivers stimulus grant of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Island Times 20230328
https://islandtimes.org/taiwan-delivers-stimulus-grant-of-2019-2020-2021-and-2022/
Joint Region Marianas recruits CNMI businesses
KUAM 20230328
https://www.kuam.com/story/48622134/joint-region-marianas-recruits-cnmi-businesses
JRM asked for more military vessels to visit NMI
Saipan Tribune 20230328
https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/jrm-asked-for-more-military-vessels-to-visit-nmi/
Island Waves
AUKUS is 'going against' Pacific nuclear free treaty - Cook Islands leader
Radio NZ 20230328
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/486868/aukus-is-going-against-pacific-nuclear-free-treaty-cook-islands-leader
PNG, US to Discuss Defence Cooperation Agreement
Post Courier (PNG) 20230328
https://islandtimes.org/taiwan-delivers-stimulus-grant-of-2019-2020-2021-and-2022/
Border Security Agreement Between Solomon Islands, Vanuatu soon
Daily Post (VU) 20230328
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/border-security-agreement-between-solomon-islands-vanuatu-soon/article_e83d9f14-4499-5929-a4d4-d1259300ff0d.html
Vanuatu Farewells HMAS Canberra
Daily Post (VU) 20230328
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/vanuatu-farewells-hmas-canberra/article_a6bcf70c-a33d-5319-9eb8-412a90dc34be.html
Understanding the Indo-Pacific: The Island Way
Carnegie 20230328
https://carnegieendowment.org/publications/89384?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
Congress should strengthen oversight on Pacific Islands affairs
The Hill 20230328
https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3922200-congress-should-strengthen-oversight-on-pacific-islands-affairs/
Why is Modi’s May visit to Pacific Islands strategic for the region?
India Narrative 20230328
https://www.indianarrative.com/opinion-news/why-is-modis-may-visit-to-pacific-islands-strategic-for-the-region-124900.html
Taiwan gets back 'Republic of China' office name from Fiji: MOFA
CNA (TW) 20230328
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202303280008
US steps up South China Sea visits to serve its political and diplomatic agenda, Chinese think tank says
SCMP 20230328
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3215070/us-steps-south-china-sea-visits-serve-its-political-and-diplomatic-agenda-says-chinese-think-tank
Chinese coast guard ship chased out of Vietnam waters
RFA 20230327
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/vietnamese-chinese-encounter-eez-03272023054137.html
China and the Philippines hold the 7th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea
CH MoFA 20230328
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163/TopStories_209189/16212583.html
Taiwan
'We are all Chinese', former Taiwan president says while visiting China
Reuters 20230328
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/we-are-all-chinese-former-taiwan-president-says-while-visiting-china-2023-03-28/
Ma Ying-jeou calls for cross-Straits peace, revitalizing Chinese nation on first day in Nanjing
GT 20230328
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1288130.shtml
Taiwan caught between superpowers as rival leaders visit China and US
Guardian 20230328
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/28/taiwan-leaders-visit-china-us-ma-ying-jeou-tsai-ing-wen
Taiwan leader’s US trip comes with baggage
RFA 20230328
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/tsai-taiwan-transit-03282023144724.html
The Taiwan Emergency Debate … in Taiwan
The Diplomat 20230329
https://thediplomat.com/2023/03/the-taiwan-emergency-debate-in-taiwan/
Taiwan's freedoms vs. China's money: The dilemma for those in the middle
S&S (AP) 20230327
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-03-27/kinmen-china-taiwan-money-freedom-9620072.html
Disinformation and democratic resilience in Taiwan
East Asia Forum 20230328
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2023/03/28/disinformation-and-democratic-resilience-in-taiwan/
Doubts grow over Taiwan’s Silicon Shield
GIS 20230328
https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/china-taiwan-silicon-shield/
Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around nation
Taiwan News 20230328
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4848675
Capabilities
N. Korean leader urges more production of weapons-grade nuclear materials; photos of tactical nuclear warheads released
Yonhap 20230328
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230327006051325?section=news
North Korea unveils smaller nuclear warheads that may fit on variety of missiles
Japan Times 20230328
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/28/asia-pacific/north-korea-smaller-nuclear-warheads/
U.S. will continue building defense capabilities against N. Korean nuclear threats: Kirby
Yonhap 20230329
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230329000200325?section=news
U.S., S. Korea enhancing joint deterrence against N. Korean aggression: Austin
Yonhap 20230329
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230328010100325?section=news
Kim Jong Un Threatens Nuclear Use Anytime as US Carrier Arrives
Bloomberg 20230328
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-28/kim-jong-un-threatens-nuclear-use-anytime-as-us-carrier-arrives
Big Emphasis On “Spectral Warfare” In Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance Plans
The Drive 20230327
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/big-emphasis-on-spectral-warfare-in-air-forces-next-generation-air-dominance-plans
Air Force Secretary takes dim view of ARRW hypersonic missile after latest unsuccessful test
Breaking Defense 20230328
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/air-force-secretary-takes-dim-view-of-arrw-hypersonic-missile-after-latest-unsuccessful-test/
China to begin constructing its own megaconstellation later this year
Space News 20230328
https://spacenews.com/china-to-begin-constructing-its-own-megaconstellation-later-this-year/
China Deploys Weapons Capable Of ‘Wiping’ US Space Capabilities; PLA’s Phenomenal Rise Alarms Pentagon
EurAsian Times 20230327
https://eurasiantimes.com/china-deploys-weapons-capable-of-wiping-us-space/
Electronic warfare is ‘new frontier’ for US Missile Defense Agency
Defense News 20230328
https://www.defensenews.com/electronic-warfare/2023/03/28/electronic-warfare-is-new-frontier-for-us-missile-defense-agency/
Russia says it test-fired anti-ship missiles in Sea of Japan
S&S (AP) 20230328
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2023-03-28/russia-missiles-sea-of-japan-9626580.html
CMC Berger to Senate: ‘There’s No Plan’ to Meet Amphib Warship Requirements
USNI 20230328
https://news.usni.org/2023/03/28/cmc-berger-to-senate-theres-no-plan-to-meet-amphib-warship-requirements
Airlift, Sealift 'Recapitalization' is Key to U.S. Logistical Dominance
US DoD 20230328
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3343691/airlift-sealift-recapitalization-is-key-to-us-logistical-dominance/
Lightning IIs arrive at Kadena to maintain advanced fighter presence
USAF PacAF 20230328
https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3343426/lightning-iis-arrive-at-kadena-to-maintain-advanced-fighter-presence/
How Self-Flying F-16s Will Enable Future Fighter Drones
Defense One 20230328
https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2023/03/how-self-flying-f-16s-will-enable-future-fighter-drones/384501/
F/A-XX Future Navy Fighter’s Big Funding Points To Prototypes
The Drive 20230328
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/big-ramp-up-in-f-a-xx-future-navy-fighter-funding-points-to-prototypes
DoD rejiggers $96 billion Sentinel ICBM program to minimize delay
Breaking Defense 20230328
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/dod-rejiggers-96-billion-sentinel-icbm-program-to-minimize-delay/
SecDef Austin calls on Congress to end wasteful ‘wish list’ gimmick
Responsible Statecraft 20230328
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/03/28/secdef-austin-calls-on-congress-to-end-wasteful-wish-list-gimmick/
SecDef Austin in favor of killing DoD’s wish-list mandate
Breaking Defense 20230328
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/secdec-austin-in-favor-of-killing-dods-wish-list-mandate/?_ga=2.98498523.517444872.1679861996-1681825304.1644963059
Power
The Welcome Turn to “Statecraft”
AIIA 20230328
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/the-welcome-turn-to-statecraft/
Some Rules of Global Politics Matter More Than Others
FP 20230327
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/03/27/some-rules-of-global-politics-matter-more-than-others/
Law of Jungle in defiance of fairness, justice
China Military 20230328
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16212766.html
Exercises
US maintains intensive military ops around China with 1,000 close-in recon attempts in 2022 despite Ukraine crisis: report
GT 20230328
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1288136.shtml
SCSPI Report: http://www.scspi.org/en/yjbg/incomplete-report-us-military-activities-south-china-sea-2022
S. Korea, U.S., Japan to hold joint exercise involving USS Nimitz: U.S. official
Yonhap 20230328
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230328005600325
‘We’re not going anywhere’: USS Nimitz arrives for naval drills in South Korea
S&S 20230328
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-03-28/nimitz-south-korea-busan-sweeney-navy-9627772.html