Pacific Winds 20241118
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
As Trump return looms, China's Xi at APEC criticises protectionism
Reuters 20241116
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-return-looms-chinas-xi-apec-criticises-protectionism-2024-11-16/
Biden calls for keeping Sino-U.S. competition from conflict; Xi cautions against 'decoupling'
Yonhap 20241117
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20241117000600315
Xi meets Biden in Lima
Xinhua 20241117
https://english.news.cn/20241117/5d7a1880af5d45589fa22d2c6bb1ade0/c.html
Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China
US White House 20241116
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/11/16/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-meeting-with-president-xi-jinping-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-3/
President Xi Jinping Meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Lima
CN MoFA 20241117
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/zyxw/202411/t20241117_11527672.html
The hardliner
Mekong Review 2024 November
https://mekongreview.com/the-hardliner/
US, Australia, Japan deepen defense cooperation
Defense One 20241117
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2024/11/us-australia-japan-deepen-defense-cooperation/401099/
Australia-Japan-United States Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting November 2024 Joint Statement
US DoD 20241117
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3967118/australia-japan-united-states-trilateral-defense-ministers-meeting-november-202/
Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Summary)
JP MoD 20241117
https://www.mod.go.jp/en/article/2024/11/48967e9f4ea227320c0f8e0839123562c3a2cbb0.html
Deployment of Japanese soldiers to 'Australia's Pearl Harbor' a dangerous shift: observers
GT 20241117
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1323270.shtml
Ishiba and Yoon unite on 'strong concerns' over North Korean troops in Russia
Japan Times 20241117
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/11/17/japan/politics/yoon-ishiba-north-korea/
Japan PM confirms he will not meet with Trump on return from Brazil
Kyodo 20241117
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/b666a0bc0ab9-update2-japan-pm-gives-up-on-wish-to-meet-trump-before-january-inauguration.html
China's potential response to NZ joining AUKUS 'not a consideration' - Luxon
RNZ 20241117
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/533999/china-s-potential-response-to-nz-joining-aukus-not-a-consideration-luxon
Trump-proofing economic security in Asia
EAF 20241117
https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/11/17/trump-proofing-economic-security-in-asia/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Camp Blaz ready for Marines, troops will arrive 'as soon as practicable'
PDN 20241117
https://www.guampdn.com/news/camp-blaz-ready-for-marines-troops-will-arrive-as-soon-as-practicable/article_8bcb119a-a331-11ef-a4fc-2b0aec945510.html
Island Waves
Australia invests $125m to power renewables in Pacific
AAP 20241116
https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/8821515/australia-invests-125m-to-power-renewables-in-pacific/
Island nations frown upon Trump's "Dig!" message - where does the battle for hegemony lead?
Mainichi 20241117
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20241113/k00/00m/030/252000c
Progress on border management system
Solomon Star 20241117
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/progress-on-border-management-system/
China visiting team makes courtesy call
Solomon Star 20241117
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/china-visiting-team-makes-courtesy-call/
Taiwan + SCS
Xi urges ‘extreme caution’ from US on Taiwan matters, South China Sea disputes
SCMP 20241117
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3286948/xi-urges-extreme-caution-us-taiwan-matters-south-china-sea-disputes
China’s Heavyweight Coast Guard Ships Bring Muscle to Sea Disputes
WSJ 20241116
https://www.wsj.com/world/china/china-coast-guard-pacific-sea-disputes-09f535c0
Capabilities
China unveils heavy 'swarm carrier' UAV at airshow
GT 20241117
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1323238.shtml
Exercises
Japanese forces to join US Marines for military exercises in Australia next year
ABC (AU) 20241117
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-17/japanese-forces-to-join-us-marines-in-australia/104610378
Elite GSDF troops to regularly deploy for drills in Australia
Japan Times 20241117
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/11/17/japan/politics/japan-us-australia-defense/
US, Japan, Australia broaden exercises, set target for live-fire drill
Defense News 20241117
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2024/11/17/us-japan-australia-broaden-exercises-set-target-for-live-fire-drill/