Pacific Winds 20231210
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
US-China relationship increasingly driven by domestic concerns in both nations, analyst says
SCMP 20231209
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3244478/us-china-relationship-increasingly-driven-domestic-concerns-both-nations-analyst-says
S. Korea, U.S., Japan vow to strengthen cooperation against N.K. threat
Yonhap 20231209
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231209000851315?section=news
How Biden’s foreign and trade policy flip-flops are confusing US allies
SCMP 20231209
https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244074/how-bidens-foreign-and-trade-policy-flip-flops-are-confusing-us-allies
S. Korea, U.S. agree to enhance cooperation in semiconductors, next-gen tech
Yonhap 20231209
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231209001400315?section=news
Keeping the IPEF afloat is in Indonesia’s interest
EAF 20231209
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2023/12/09/keeping-the-ipef-afloat-is-in-indonesias-interest/
Japan's views on ASEAN must evolve as regional bloc grows stronger
Nikkei 2021209
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Comment/Japan-s-views-on-ASEAN-must-evolve-as-regional-bloc-grows-stronger
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
A pivotal contest for strategic islands in the Pacific is upon us—and it’s not about Taiwan or the South China Sea
Atlantic Council 20231208
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/a-pivotal-contest-for-strategic-islands-in-the-pacific-is-upon-us-and-its-not-about-taiwan-or-the-south-china-sea/
Japan, Marshall Islands Reaffirm Cooperation to Realize Free, Open Indo-Pacific
Yomiuri 20231209
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20231209-154691/
Island Waves
US-China’s ‘tense’ Pacific power play to persist after Australia-Papua New Guinea security pact
SCMP 20231209
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3244443/us-chinas-tense-pacific-power-play-persist-after-australia-papua-new-guinea-security-pact
Taiwan + SCS
China’s 4th Type-75 Amphibious Assault Carrier Nears Completion As PLA Gears-Up To Gobble Taiwan
EurAsian Times 20231209
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-4th-type-75-amphibious-assault-carriers-nears/
Taiwan detects China satellite launch, monitors 10 planes and 7 vessels
Taiwan News 20231209
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5056013
Chinese vessels block BFAR resupply trip to Panatag
ABS-CBN 20231209
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/09/23/chinese-vessels-block-bfar-resupply-trip-to-panatag
Philippines condemns China's actions in South China Sea against fishing vessels
Reuters 20231209
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-condemns-chinas-actions-south-china-sea-against-fishing-vessels-2023-12-09/
US and Philippines condemn the Chinese coast guard’s water cannon blasts on fisheries vessels
AP 20231209
https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-disputed-scarborough-shoal-5e7b105b1b0a65471776e3cba79b5324
China "not fearful of war" over Senkakus: military officer
Kyodo 20231209
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/2cd6be3095a2-china-not-fearful-of-war-over-senkakus-military-officer.html
Capabilities
Defense bill calls for outside scrutiny of Marines’ modernization plan
Marine Times 20231208
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/12/08/defense-bill-calls-for-outside-scrutiny-of-marines-modernization-plan/
Loyal Wingman Drone Cost, Capability Concerns Emerge In Defense Bill
The Drive 20231208
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/collaborative-combat-aircraft-cost-capability-concerns-emerge-in-congress
Die hard: 2 years after US killed the rail gun, China brings weapon back to life with major technological leap
SCMP 20231209
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3243373/die-hard-two-years-after-us-killed-rail-gun-china-brings-it-back-life-major-technological-leap
At China’s Mercy – Why ‘Highly Contested’ & ‘Highly Invested’ Indo-Pacific Region Could See PLA Ruling The Roost
Eurasian Times 20231208
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/at-chinas-mercy-why-highly-contested-highly-invested/