Pacific Winds 20250224
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Trump’s shake-up of US top brass will not change focus on China rivalry: observers
SCMP 20250223
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3299816/trumps-shake-us-top-brass-will-not-change-focus-china-rivalry-observers
The Pacific chessboard, and NZ’s place in the US-China power struggle
The Post (NZ) 20250224
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360590155/pacific-chessboard-and-nzs-place-us-china-power-struggle
Australia pushes for exemptions from Trump’s tariffs in crucial US visit ahead of election
SCMP 20250223
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3299784/australia-pushes-tariff-exemptions-crucial-washington-visit-ahead-election
Industry minister to visit U.S. as early as this week for talks on new tariff scheme
Yonhap 20250223
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250223001351315
China ready to respond to Donald Trump’s ‘discriminatory’ curbs on US investment
SCMP 20250223
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3299794/china-ready-respond-donald-trumps-discriminatory-curbs-us-investment
U.S. urged to stop proposed restrictions on China's maritime, logistics, shipbuilding sectors
Xinhua 20250223
https://english.news.cn/20250223/4706d405f7944a0b80e0f3160b76340b/c.html
‘Public comment’ should not become a political show for protectionism
GT 20250223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1328952.shtml
Island Waves
Cook Islands deal opens up Pacific to China - expert
RNZ 20250223
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/542733/cook-islands-deal-opens-up-pacific-to-china-expert
PNG-Aust Talks Enhance Ties, Keep Chin at Arm’s Length
Post Courier (PNG) 20240224
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/png-aust-talks-embrace-ties-keep-china-at-arms-length/
Taiwan + SCS
Foreign minister thanks US for remaining firm on commitments to Taiwan
Taiwan News 20250223
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6043416
US military officer seen in Taiwan with defense minister
Taiwan News 20250223
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6043531
Taiwan tracks 11 Chinese military aircraft and 8 ships
Taiwan News 20250223
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6043429
Capabilities
China’s new submarine may have Typhon missiles in Philippines in its sights, report says
SCMP 20250223
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3299675/chinas-new-submarine-may-have-typhon-missiles-philippines-its-sights-report-says
'We cannot hide anymore': Collins signals 'big budget' defence investment
1News (NZ) 20250223
https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/23/we-cannot-hide-anymore-collins-signals-big-budget-defence-investment/
China is moving toward the far sea, and Western countries should adapt to it
GT 20250223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1328951.shtml
The Chinese-origin scientists who helped to hone America’s leading edge in defence
SCMP 20250223
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3299758/chinese-origin-scientists-who-helped-hone-americas-leading-edge-defence
Power
America’s National Security Wonderland
AAJ Spring 2025
https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2025/02/americas-national-security-wonderland/
China’s War for Indo-Pacific Dominance Is Already Underway
National Review 20250223
https://www.nationalreview.com/2025/02/chinas-war-for-indo-pacific-dominance-is-already-underway/
Exercises
Countries should adapt to PLA’s distant voyages: expert on China’s live-fire drills near Australia, NZ
GT 20250223
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1328914.shtml
French carrier visits Philippines, flexes nuclear-powered muscle in disputed South China Sea
SCMP 20250223
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299786/french-carrier-visits-philippines-flexes-nuclear-powered-muscle-disputed-south-china-sea