Pacific Winds 20231226
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Why China is keeping its distance as Russia and North Korea cosy up
SCMP 20231225
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3246165/why-china-keeping-its-distance-russia-and-north-korea-cosy
Australia and Japan must recast their energy relationship
Nikkei 20231226
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Australia-and-Japan-must-recast-their-energy-relationship
Island Waves
New Malekula road signifies new level of partnership with China
People’s Daily 20231225
http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/1225/c90000-20114360.html
Okinawa rejects court order to OK revised U.S. base transfer plan
Kyodo 20231225
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/3a3eac0746c2-okinawa-rejects-court-order-to-ok-revised-us-base-transfer-plan.html
Okinawa Governor Refuses to Approve Henoko Design Changes; Land Minister Preparing to OK Plans in Place of Governor
Yomiuri 20231225
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20231225-157929/
Taiwan + SCS
Top Presidential Candidate Says Taiwan Key for World Security
Bloomberg 20231224
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-24/top-presidential-candidate-says-taiwan-key-for-world-security
Taiwan’s presidential election risks war, says ex-Beijing official as mainland steps up pressure over island
SCMP 20231225
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3246206/taiwans-presidential-election-risks-war-says-ex-beijing-official-mainland-steps-pressure-over-island
Taiwan tracks 4 Chinese naval ships, 2 military aircraft around nation
Taiwan News 20231225
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5065658
Philippine actions in South China Sea 'extremely dangerous' - Chinese state media
Reuters 20231225
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-actions-south-china-sea-extremely-dangerous-chinese-state-media-2023-12-25/
Philippines should stop pursuing the wrong course at once on South China Sea issue: Chinese FM
GT 20231225
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304291.shtml
Capabilities
Japan pouring billions into sea-based missile defense
Asia Times 20231225
https://asiatimes.com/2023/12/japan-pouring-billions-into-sea-based-missile-defense/
PLA Navy steps into deep blue, contributes to global peace and stability with 15 years of overseas escort missions
GT 20231225
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304274.shtml
China Is Stealing AI Secrets to Turbocharge Spying, U.S. Says
WSJ 20231225
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/china-is-stealing-ai-secrets-to-turbocharge-spying-u-s-says-00413594
China’s Military-Civil Fusion Strategy: A Blueprint For Technological Superiority
Eurasia Review 20231224
https://www.eurasiareview.com/25122023-chinas-military-civil-fusion-strategy-a-blueprint-for-technological-superiority-analysis/
CRS Report to Congress on Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense
USNI 20231225
https://news.usni.org/2023/12/25/report-to-congress-on-navy-aegis-ballistic-missile-defense-11