Pacific Winds 20231219
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
NATO-China ties: envoys’ visit to Japan and South Korea point to more ‘institutionalised’ Asia-Pacific link: analysts
SCMP 20231218
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3245377/nato-china-ties-envoys-visit-japan-and-south-korea-point-more-institutionalised-asia-pacific-link
Japan-ASEAN Summit Highlights Different Stances on China
Yomiuri 20231218
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20231218-156490/
Japan-ASEAN in a much more muscular embrace
Asia Times 20231218
https://asiatimes.com/2023/12/japan-asean-in-a-much-more-muscular-embrace/
Japan intends to dump political contaminated water in ASEAN
GT 20231219
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1303888.shtml
Kishida's loss of public support may hurt Japan diplomatically
Kyodo 20231218
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/fa4331654311-focus-kishidas-loss-of-public-support-may-hurt-japan-diplomatically.html
China, North Korea hold high-level meeting amid missile launches
Reuters 20231218
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-north-korea-hold-high-level-meeting-amid-missile-launches-2023-12-18/
North Korea vows to work with China to ‘safeguard common interests’ as Pyongyang launches fifth ICBM this year
SCMP 20231218
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3245466/north-korea-vows-work-china-safeguard-common-interests-pyongyang-launches-fifth-icbm-year
Security advisers of S. Korea, U.S., Japan condemn N.K. ICBM launch as 'flagrant' breach of UNSC resolutions
Yonhap 20231218
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231218005100315?section=news
Shifting Visions of the South Korea-US Alliance
Thr Diplomat 20231218
https://thediplomat.com/2023/12/shifting-visions-of-the-south-korea-us-alliance/
US Indo-Pacific commander is ‘very concerned’ about escalation of China-Russia military ties
AP 20231218
https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-china-russia-commander-military-b8aae52f021dd7f57595512d069797fe
5 Indo-Pacific stories: China’s neighbors clasp hands while AUKUS tumbles along
Breaking Defense 20231218
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/5-indo-pacific-stories-chinas-neighbors-clasp-hands-while-aukus-tumbles-along/
US sees no impact on Vietnam ties from Hanoi-Beijing defence pledges
Reuters 20231218
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-sees-no-impact-vietnam-ties-hanoi-beijing-defence-pledges-2023-12-18/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Congress to consider restoration of Compact impact funds for Guam in January
PDN 20231219
https://www.guampdn.com/news/congress-to-consider-restoration-of-compact-impact-funds-for-guam-in-january/article_81671db6-9d74-11ee-8322-1b4c1772bd64.html
NDAA missed chance to study Guam housing shortage
KUAM 20231218
https://www.kuam.com/story/50239895/ndaa-missed-chance-to-study-guam-housing-shortage
Defense spending bill authorizes $3.2 billion for military projects in Guam
KUAM 20231218
https://www.kuam.com/story/50240035/defense-spending-bill-authorizes-dollar32-billion-for-military-projects-in-guam
The year of grand gestures and pending promises
PIT 20231218
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/the-year-of-grand-gestures-and-pending-promises
U.S. Coast Guard, Yap strengthen ties through key leader engagement, site visit
USCG FM/SG 20231218
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/460198/us-coast-guard-yap-strengthen-ties-through-key-leader-engagement-site-visit
Island Waves
Fiji government announces review of national defence force
ABC (AU) 20231218
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/fiji-government-announces-review-of-national-defence-force/103241352
Involve Locals or Leave: Marape
National (PNG) 20231218
https://www.thenational.com.pg/involve-locals-or-leave-marape/
Construction Begins on NCD Medical Center in Honiara
Tuvali 20231218
https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/construction-begins-on-ncd-medical-center-in-honiara/
Honiara International Runway Upgrades Advance Swiftly in SIRAP2 Project
Tuvali 20231218
https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/honiara-international-airport-overhaul-nears-completion/
Remote villages to get renewable energy boost with Japanese Grant
FBCN 20231217
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/remote-villages-to-get-renewable-energy-boost-with-japanese-grant/
Chinese aquaculture firm pledges to invest USD 70 million in Vanuatu
Seafood Source 2031218
https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/premium/aquaculture/chinese-aquaculture-firm-pledges-to-invest-usd-70-million-in-vanuatu
Beginning the repairs on Timor-Leste’s economy
EAF 20231219
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2023/12/19/beginning-the-repairs-on-timor-lestes-economy/
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan detected two Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Strait on Sunday - defence ministry
Reuters 20231218
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-detected-two-chinese-balloons-crossing-taiwan-strait-sunday-defence-2023-12-18/
This group thinks Taiwan’s people aren’t taking the risk of war with mainland China seriously enough. Their goal is to change that
SCMP 20231218
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3245420/group-thinks-taiwans-people-arent-taking-risk-war-mainland-china-seriously-enough-their-goal-change
Pentagon urged to send Taiwan truck-launched anti-ship missiles and long-range guided bombs
WashTimes 20231218
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/18/pentagon-urged-to-send-taiwan-truck-launched-anti-/
China to take countermeasures against companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan
Xinhua 20231218
https://english.news.cn/20231218/91eedc17879a4704ae76ab367b9c8ebe/c.html
Taiwan tracks 6 Chinese military aircraft, 2 naval ships around nation
Taiwan News 20231218
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5061622
Proposed PH-Japan military access deal seen to help maintain peace in West PH Sea — Marcos
CNN (PH) 20231218
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/12/18/philippines-japan-reciprocal-access-agreement-.html
'Balikatan-like' military exercise between PH, Japan eyed with swift progression of RAA
Manila Bulletin 20231218
https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/18/balikatan-like-military-exercise-between-ph-japan-eyed-with-swift-progression-of-raa
China’s increased coercive activities in the WPS: Recalibrating the PH’s security response
Rappler 20231218
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/analysis-china-coercive-activities-recalibrating-security-response-west-philippine-sea/
Beijing flexes muscles in South China Sea as Manila puts it on the defensive
SCMP 20231218
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3245481/south-china-sea-beijing-flexes-maritime-muscles-manilas-aggressive-transparency-puts-it-defensive
U.S. uses Philippines, South China Sea issue to contain China, says expert
Xinhua 20231218
https://english.news.cn/20231218/0f2c8f03f2c7411db28bed1c4b832682/c.html
Philippines-US collusive provocations in South China Sea undermine regional peace and stability
China Military 20231218
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16274259.html
Manila 'seriously misjudges situation' as Marcos hypes 'China's challenge'
GT 20231218
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1303868.shtml
Capabilities
N. Korea fires ICBM at lofted angle into East Sea
Yonhap 20231218
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231218001554315?section=news
North Korea launches ICBM, ballistic missile within hours of each other
Kyodo 20231218
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/0fe7db7a154a-update2-n-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-falls-outside-japans-eez.html
North Korea Tests Long-Range Missile for First Time in Months
NYTimes 2031218
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/17/world/asia/north-korea-missile-launch-icbm.html
North Korea's most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile has the potential to reach the United States
ABC (AU) 20231219
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-19/north-korean-missiles-and-weapons-systems/103244400
North Korea tests missile that could reach entire US, according to Japan and South Korea
The Hill 20231218
https://thehill.com/policy/international/4365324-north-korea-tests-missile-that-could-reach-entire-us-japan-and-south-korea-say/
North Korea’s latest missile launches an ominous development or routine testing?
Straits Times 20231218
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/north-korea-s-latest-missile-launches-an-ominous-development-or-routine-testing
Yoon orders joint response with U.S., Japan following N. Korea's ICBM launch
Yonhap 20231218
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231218003052315?section=news
U.S. sees North Korean ICBM test as "concerning," eyes better readiness
Kyodo 20231218
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/f1a6aa6a6a0e-update1-us-sees-n-korean-icbm-test-as-concerning-eyes-better-readiness.html
N. Korea slams S. Korean military chiefs' warning of retaliation
Yonhap 20231218
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231218001351315?section=news
DoD needs near-term, ‘persistent’ INDOPACOM hypersonic missile tracking: CSIS
Breaking Defense 20231218
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/dod-needs-near-term-persistent-indopacom-hypersonic-missile-tracking-csis/
Space Force’s first six missile-defense satellites in medium orbit to cost about $500 million
Space News 20231218
https://spacenews.com/space-forces-first-six-missile-defense-satellites-in-medium-orbit-to-cost-about-500-million/
Time for a rethink of Australia’s approach to defence industry
ASPI 20231218
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/time-for-a-rethink-of-australias-approach-to-defence-industry/
Australia’s defence industry not prepared for Indo-Pacific war as risk, Ai Group, ANU report warns
News (AU) 20231218
https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/australias-defence-industry-not-prepared-for-indopacific-war-as-risk-ai-group-anu-report-warns/news-story/e60f6be5f6c09f7a004c5a9e2cffd14c
Expanding air-to-air refuelling support
AU DoD 20231218
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-12-18/expanding-air-air-refuelling-support
PLA Air Force pursues fast equipment development with future air combat in mind
GT 20231218
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1303864.shtml
Exercises
USN Fleet and Marine Tracker: Dec. 18, 2023
USNI 29231218
https://news.usni.org/2023/12/18/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-dec-18-2023