Pacific Winds 20230731
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
How China’s ‘old friend’ diplomacy may be hurting more than helping improve its US ties
SCMP 20230730
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3229087/how-chinas-old-friend-diplomacy-may-be-hurting-more-helping-improve-its-us-ties
Being an offensive bridgehead not in Australia's national interests
GT 20230731
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1295353.shtml
Rumblings in the EU ranks as ‘de-risking’ plan for China gains momentum
SCMP 20230730
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3229218/rumblings-eu-ranks-de-risking-plan-china-gains-momentum
France opposes 'decoupling' after economic talks with China
GT 20230730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1295337.shtml
Italy intends to leave China’s Belt and Road Initiative, defense minister says
Politico 20230730
https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-leave-belt-and-road-initiative-china-minister-guido-crosetto/
Berlin’s economic “de-risking” model could be Europe’s answer to the Taiwan question
Lowy 20230731
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/berlin-s-economic-de-risking-model-could-be-europe-s-answer-taiwan-question
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Whipps: US radar makes Palau a 'target'
PIT 20230731
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/whipps-us-radar-makes-palau-a-target
FSM: US must keep its end of the deal
PIT 20230730
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/fsm-us-must-keep-its-end-of-the-deal
Will we lose Ghost Cave to EIAMD or will it be preserved?
PDN 20230730
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/lotz-will-we-lose-ghost-cave-to-eiamd-or-will-it-be-preserved/article_4404b0ec-2e7e-11ee-b500-c720217637d2.html
Island Waves
France announces plans to open Apia embassy
Samoa Observer 20230730
https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/104861
Why is Blinken snubbed repeatedly during Asia-Pacific visits?
Xinhua 20230730
https://english.news.cn/20230730/7505061fab6e493280e663e3b0b0fc3a/c.html
What's behind the U.S. pivot to Pacific Islands?
CGTN 20230730
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-07-30/What-s-behind-the-U-S-pivot-to-Pacific-Islands--1lRtAbgTW6Y/index.html
Taiwan + SCS
US’ latest military aid to Taiwan island further endangers peace in the Straits; youth will become cannon fodder if DPP continues down wrong path: official
GT 20230730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1295300.shtml
Taiwan should play tough with US: expert
Taipei Times 20230731
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/07/31/2003804012
China slams first US military aid to Taiwan island under Presidential Drawdown Authority
GT 20230730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1295310.shtml
Taiwan Cabinet's budget for 2024 proposes 7.5% defense increase
Taiwan News 20230730
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4957876
Taiwan tracks 6 Chinese naval vessels around nation
Taiwan News 20230730
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4957955
Foreign ships, aircraft in East and South China Seas escalating tensions – China’s defense ministry
Inquirer (PH) 20230730
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1809492/foreign-ships-aircraft-in-east-and-south-china-seas-escalating-tensions-chinas-defense-ministry
Capabilities
US military spies to embed in Australia's defence department to monitor regional threats in wake of AUSMIN talks
ABC (AU) 20230730
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-30/us-military-spies-defence-regional-security-richard-marles/102666972
Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2023
US DoD 20230729
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3476104/joint-statement-on-australia-us-ministerial-consultations-ausmin-2023/
FACT SHEET 2023 AUSTRALIA-U.S. MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS (AUSMIN)
US DoD 20230729
https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jul/29/2003270890/-1/-1/1/20230727_FACTSHEET_AUSMIN_vFINAL.PDF
US to further military footprint in Australia to suppress China; Washington 'source of tension' in Asia-Pacific
GT 20230730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1295319.shtml
Power
Daniel Immerwahr on the US Colonial Legacy in Asia
The Diplomat 20230801
https://thediplomat.com/2023/07/daniel-immerwahr-on-the-us-colonial-legacy-in-asia/
Exercises
China's aircraft carrier Shandong makes new breakthroughs in latest drills
GT 20230730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202307/1295307.shtml