Pacific Winds 20230813
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Japan, China quietly mark friendship pact 45th anniversary amid tensions
Kyodo 20230812
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/2ebbac4d70d1-japan-china-quietly-mark-friendship-pact-45th-anniv-amid-tensions.html
Japan to set up cyberdefense network that includes Pacific islands
Nikkei 20230813
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-to-set-up-cyberdefense-network-that-includes-Pacific-islands
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
US ‘Thunders’ In China’s Backyard; Plans 20 New Air Defense Sites In Guam To Blunt PLA Missiles
Eurasian Times 20230812
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/us-thunders-in-chinas-backyard-plans-20-new-air-defense/
Island Waves
Political instability persists in Vanuatu ahead of leadership challenge
Radio NZ 20230811
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/495584/political-instability-persists-in-vanuatu-ahead-of-leadership-challenge
Taiwan + SCS
As a Taiwanese Presidential Contender Visits U.S., He Tries to Walk a Fine Line
NYTimes 20230812
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/12/world/asia/taiwan-us-china-lai-ching-te.html
These charts show why there may be a spike in Chinese military planes flying over Taiwan's airspace this week
ABC (AU) 20230812
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-12/chinese-military-aircraft-flights-over-taiwan-adiz-may-increase/102711504
Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese military aircraft, 7 vessels
Taiwan News 20230812
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4969598
China’s tough stance in South China Sea ‘may be sign of its unhappiness over closer Philippine ties with US’
SCMP 20230812
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3230774/chinas-tough-stance-south-china-sea-may-be-sign-its-unhappiness-over-closer-philippine-ties-us
China asks Philippines to jointly work on defusing South China Sea tensions
Reuters 20230812
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-asks-philippines-jointly-work-defusing-south-china-sea-tensions-2023-08-12/
China and ASEAN members have the capability and wisdom to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea: Wang Yi
GT 20230812
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202308/1296145.shtml
A maritime crisis in our midst
PhilStar 20230812
https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2023/08/12/2288123/maritime-crisis-our-midst
The time bomb of the Philippines' BRP Sierra Madre is ticking down to zero
Sea Light 20230812
https://www.sealight.live/posts/the-time-bomb-of-the-philippines-brp-sierra-madre-is-ticking-down-to-zero
China says no point in showing proof of Ayungin Shoal deal if Marcos already rescinded it
CNN (PH) 20230811
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/11/China-no-point-proof-ayungin-shoal-deal-rescinded.html
Capabilities
More Purpose, Fewer Platitudes: The Philippines’ Defense Diplomacy Under Marcos
The Diplomat 20230811
https://thediplomat.com/2023/08/more-purpose-fewer-platitudes-the-philippines-defense-diplomacy-under-marcos/
Events
China’s Future Naval Bases: New Empirical Data Points to Likely Places
Hudson 15 August 2023 11-1145 AM EDT
https://www.heritage.org/asia/event/chinas-future-naval-bases-new-empirical-data-points-likely-places