Pacific Winds 20230724
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Blinken Says World Is Seeking Responsible US-China Relationship
Bloomberg 20230723
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-23/blinken-says-world-is-seeking-responsible-us-china-relationship
Top Chinese diplomat proposes talks with Japan, South Korea
Reuters 20230723
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/top-chinese-diplomat-proposes-talks-with-japan-south-korea-kyodo-2023-07-23/
Possible China visit by US commerce secretary to be touchstone of Washington's sincerity over stabilizing bilateral ties: observers
GT 20230723
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294894.shtml
Albanese meeting Xi would help Australia get to a better deal with China
EAF 20230723
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2023/07/23/albanese-meeting-xi-would-help-australia-get-to-a-better-deal-with-china/
China ‘may come up with countermeasures’ as Japan’s chip export controls take effect: analyst
GT 20230723
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294890.shtml
US in self-inflicted mental friction to smear China’s EVs
GT 20230724
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294920.shtml
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
From 'Tip of the Spear' to 'The Target'
PDN 20230723
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/lotz-from-tip-of-the-spear-to-the-target/article_7cc2f946-2908-11ee-8f0b-8f45d65053a7.html
Military apologizes for accidental incursion into private property
GDP 20230724
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/military-apologizes-for-accidental-incursion-into-private-property/article_a2c6c23e-28f5-11ee-ba00-33704bbc40b6.html
Island Waves
Morrison government struck secret deal to pay PNG to take refugees and asylum seekers
Guardian 20230723
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/22/morrison-government-png-asylum-seeker-deal-refugee
Millions of dollars in detention money went to Pacific politicians
The Age 20230723
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/millions-of-dollars-in-detention-money-went-to-pacific-politicians-20230718-p5dp51.html
UK to assist Navy and RFMF
Fiji Times 20230723
https://www.fijitimes.com/uk-to-assist-navy-and-rfmf/
UK to work with Fiji Navy on security measures
FBCN 20230723
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/uk-to-work-with-fiji-navy-on-security-measures/
Taiwan + SCS
Military experts say PLA rolling out longer-range missiles near Taiwan
SCMP 20230723
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3228592/military-experts-say-pla-rolling-out-longer-range-missiles-near-taiwan
Taiwan’s ‘Doomsday Drills’: A Chilling Glimpse of War With China
Daily Beast 20230723
https://www.thedailybeast.com/taiwan-military-drills-offer-chilling-glimpse-of-defense-plan-if-china-attacks
PLA holds cross-sea troop transport drill using large ferry ship
GT 20230723
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294896.shtml
As Taiwan prepares for anti-invasion exercises, PLA sends dozens of warplanes towards the island
SCMP 20230723
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3228616/taiwan-prepares-anti-invasion-exercises-china-sends-dozens-warplanes-towards-island
Can Asean unite to resolve West Philippine Sea issue?
Manila Times 20230724
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/24/supplements/can-asean-unite-to-resolve-west-philippine-sea-issue/1902007
Capabilities
Japan’s Growing Drone Budget
The Diplomat 20230722
https://thediplomat.com/2023/07/japans-growing-drone-budget/
Miyako Island to Get Aid to Build Bomb Shelter
Yomiuri 20230723
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20230723-124817/
Power
China draws geopolitical lessons as Ukraine war grinds on
Japan Times 20230723
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/23/asia-pacific/china-geopolitics-russia-ukraine-war/
The US is digging own war trap by instigating confrontation
GT 20230723
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1294891.shtml