Pacific Winds 20231224
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Govt Seeks Deepened Security Cooperation with Revision of 3 Principles
Yomiuri 20231223
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20231223-157469/
Chinese, US military talks a 'positive signal,' but this is just the first step
GT 20231223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304175.shtml
In dealing with the US, China should strive for the best outcome, but also prepare for the worst consequences: PLA Navy rear admiral
GT 20231223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304178.shtml
Australia and China turn a new leaf in economic relations
EAF 20231223
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2023/12/23/australia-and-china-turn-a-new-leaf-in-economic-relations/
Nippon-US Steel deal sparks a knee-jerk backlash
Asia Times 20231223
https://asiatimes.com/2023/12/nippon-us-steel-deal-sparks-a-knee-jerk-backlash/
North Korean Exports Hit Record High Since UN Sanctions Took Full Effect
The Diplomat 20231222
https://thediplomat.com/2023/12/north-korean-exports-hit-record-high-since-un-sanctions-took-full-effect/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Congress, Pentagon at odds over Pacific task force needed to prep for China war
WashTimes 29231222
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/20/congress-pentagon-at-odds-over-pacific-task-force-/
Island Waves
'We want payment for our trees': Landowners
Daily Post (VU) 20231223
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/we-want-payment-for-our-trees-landowners/article_77af0f1e-ef99-5f58-8497-c3fb83935a08.html
Fiji and Japan ink grant
Fiji Times 20231223
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fiji-and-japan-ink-grant/
JICA and Fiji to strengthen ties for mutual prosperity
FBCN 20231223
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/jica-and-fiji-to-strengthen-ties-for-mutual-prosperity/
US Ais to Improve Infrastructure, Disaster Response
Post Courier (PNG) 20231222
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/us-aims-to-improve-infrastructure-disaster-response/
Japan government to bypass Okinawa governor, approve U.S. base relocation
Kyodo 20231223
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/3386871b7758-japan-govt-to-bypass-okinawa-governor-approve-us-base-relocation.html
Taiwan + SCS
Chinese mainland needs to be prepared for the risks caused by Taiwan secessionist force: experts
GT 20231223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304185.shtml
Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese military aircraft crossing median line Saturday afternoon
Taiwan News 20231223
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5065041
Taiwan tracks 7 Chinese military aircraft, 2 naval ships around nation
Taiwan News 20231223
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5064857
Beijing, Manila to hold consultation on South China Sea ‘soon’
RFA 20231223
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/beijing-manila-consult-12222023010757.html
US-led militarization of South China Sea will intensify in coming years: expert at GT annual conference
GT 20231223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304186.shtml
Capabilities
Biden Signs $886 Billion US Defense Policy Bill Into Law
VoA 20231223
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-signs-886-billion-us-defense-policy-bill-into-law-/7409704.html
Biden signs $886 billion defense bill to boost Indo-Pacific deterrence
Kyodo 20231223
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/fb414c766200-update1-biden-signs-886-bil-defense-bill-to-boost-indo-pacific-deterrence.html
Two new missiles in the pipeline for longer-range Army fires
Military Times 20231223
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/12/23/two-new-missiles-in-the-pipeline-for-longer-range-army-fires/
Japan's Patriot-missile transfer to U.S. stuns Indo-Pacific watchers
NIkkei 20231223
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/Japan-s-Patriot-missile-transfer-to-U.S.-stuns-Indo-Pacific-watchers
The secret U.S. effort to track, hide and surveil the Chinese spy balloon
NBC 20231223
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/secret-us-effort-track-hide-surveil-chinese-spy-balloon-rcna130991
Rocket Lab wins $515 million contract to build 18 satellites for U.S. government agency
Space News 20231223
https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-wins-515-million-contract-to-build-18-satellites-for-u-s-government-agency/
Power
Rethinking the US strategic triad: When it comes to nuclear platforms, how many are enough?
BoAS 20231220
https://thebulletin.org/2023/12/rethinking-the-us-strategic-triad-when-it-comes-to-nuclear-platforms-how-many-are-enough/