Pacific Winds 20231230
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
China-US Military Hotline Is Good News in a Sea of Bad
Bloomberg 20231229
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-12-28/china-us-military-hotline-can-help-avoid-accidental-combat-in-pacific
The big risks of 2024: Taiwan elections, Philippine shoals, AUKUS dough
Breaking Deense 2023129
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/the-big-risks-of-2024-taiwan-elections-philippine-shoals-aukus-dough/
Former Trump aide says Korea's proposed tech rules would be 'gift' to China
Korea Times 20231229
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/113_365974.html
US wants to contain China's chip industry. This startup shows it won't be easy
Reuters 20231229
https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-wants-contain-chinas-chip-industry-this-startup-shows-it-wont-be-easy-2023-12-29/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Palau’s financial woes deepen as US Congress delays Compact funds, stoking concerns over economic stability
Island Times 20231229
https://islandtimes.org/palaus-financial-woes-deepen-as-us-congress-delays-compact-funds-stoking-concerns-over-economic-stability/
Palauans receive free, specialized Medical Care during USNS Mercy visit
Island Times 20231229
https://islandtimes.org/palauans-receive-free-specialized-medical-care-during-usns-mercy-visit/
Island Waves
France and Fiji strengthen defense ties
FBCN 20231229
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/france-and-fiji-strengthen-defense-ties/
Fijians say no to casino | Rabuka: Coalition Government yet to decide
Fiji Times 20231229
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fijians-say-no-to-casino-rabuka-coalition-government-yet-to-decide/
Assistance from Chinese Company
Post Courier (PNG) 20231229
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/assistance-from-chinese-company/
Taiwan + SCS
Boosting defense shows resolve to protect Taiwan, isn't provocation: Tsai
CNA (TW) 20231229
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202312290018
Taiwan tracks 22 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around nation
Taiwan News 20231229
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5068109
The Philippines’ provocation over Ren’ai Jiao infringes China’s sovereignty: Chinese FM
GT 20231229
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202312/1304517.shtml
South China Sea: Beijing will ‘respond resolutely’ if Manila builds permanent structure on disputed reef
SCMP 20231229
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3246710/south-china-sea-beijing-will-respond-resolutely-if-manila-builds-permanent-structure-disputed-reef
Capabilities
Kishida’s military build-up plans face bumpy road ahead
Japan Times 20231229
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/12/29/japan/politics/japan-security-policy-2024/
Japan eyes lethal weapon exports to South-east Asia to boost regional security
Straits Times 20231229
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-eyes-lethal-weapon-exports-to-south-east-asia-to-boost-regional-security
The Air Force Looks to Old WWII Bases To Survive in the Pacific
Forbes 20231229
https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2023/12/29/the-air-force-looks-to-old-wwii-bases-to-survive-in-the-pacific/?sh=46d63288673d
Power
‘Fighting spirit’: Xi Jinping reveals China’s push for global power after rare closed-door meeting on foreign policy
SCMP 20231229
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3246631/fighting-spirit-xi-jinping-reveals-chinas-push-global-power-after-rare-closed-door-meeting-foreign