Pacific Winds 20250428
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
US independence day? Poll shows Australians' radical shift over Trump, economy
ABC (AU) 20250427
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-27/yougov-poll-united-states-alliance-donald-trump-relationship/105210660
S. Korea-U.S. alliance prospects marked by hope, concern in Trump's 1st 100 days
Yonhap 20250427
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250425003200315
Japan PM Ishiba leaves for Vietnam, Philippines to boost cooperation
Kyodo 20250427
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/04/23c45357a381-japan-pm-ishiba-leaves-for-vietnam-philippines-to-boost-cooperation.html
Tying itself to US war chariot won't bring the Philippines security
China Military 20250427
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16383235.html
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Quanzhou meets Micronesia: Illuminating new paths for cultural dialogue
China Daily 20250427
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202504/27/WS680d8fdaa3104d9fd3821c8f.html
Airfield upgrade highlights Northern Mariana Islands’ growing role in Free and Open Indo-Pacific
IPDF 20250427
https://ipdefenseforum.com/2025/04/airfield-upgrade-highlights-northern-mariana-islands-growing-role-in-free-and-open-indo-pacific/
Initial Marines to move into new base in June
GDP 20250427
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/initial-marines-to-move-into-new-base-in-june/article_7beb4c8c-a058-4447-8f13-93d61f0bad6c.html
US Marines from Okinawa to start moving to Camp Blaz barracks in June
PDN 20250427
https://www.guampdn.com/news/us-marines-from-okinawa-to-start-moving-to-camp-blaz-barracks-in-june/article_979efc29-4851-4acf-af09-1b33c1e0e939.html
GOP lawmakers appeal to Trump for help
GDP 20250427
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/gop-lawmakers-appeal-to-trump-for-help/article_e34036f1-f800-42ba-b595-83db1af83b68.html
Island Waves
Call for bold new path | Rabuka urges shift in Fiji’s foreign policy approach
Fiji Times 20250427
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/call-for-bold-new-path-rabuka-urges-shift-in-fijis-foreign-policy-approach/
Fujian delegation arrive to meet with Western Province
Solomon Star 20250427
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/fujian-delegation-arrive-to-meet-with-western-province/
Fiji secures Indonesian support for agriculture
FBCN 20250427
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-secures-indonesian-support-for-agriculture/
Taiwan + xCS
Analyst warns China's maritime militia would be used in any Taiwan invasion
Taiwan News 20250427
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6095605
Taiwan would benefit from integrated theater: expert
Taipei Times 20250428
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/04/28/2003835943
After Trump tariffs shock, can Taiwan still trust the US?
SCMP 20250427
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3307980/after-trump-tariffs-shock-can-taiwan-still-trust-us
NCSIST tests attack drone boat in northeast Taiwan
Taiwan News 20250427
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6095676
Taiwan tracks 5 PLA aircraft, 15 naval vessels, and one official ship
Taiwan News 20250427
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6095618
NTF-WPS reports completing maritime operation at Pag-asa Cay
Inquirer (PH) 20250427
https://www.inquirer.net/438591/ntf-wps-reports-completing-maritime-operation-at-pag-asa-cay/
Six Filipinos illegally board China’s Tiexian Jiao despite warning; China Coast Guard handles situation in accordance with law: spokesperson
GT 20250427
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332983.shtml
China warns Philippines to stop infringements on Tiexian Jiao
Xinhua 20250427
https://english.news.cn/20250427/47186a037bd942978b0b2e52573d42a2/c.html
The Yellow Sea fish farm row threatening to derail progress in China-South Korea ties
SCMP 20250427
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3308044/yellow-sea-fish-farm-row-threatens-derail-efforts-improve-china-south-korea-ties
Capabilities
North Korea’s New Frigate Has Ballistic Missile Launchers
TWZ 20250426
https://www.twz.com/air/north-koreas-new-frigate-has-ballistic-missile-launchers
US will propose dual-use shipbuilding to Japan, navy chief says
Nikkei 20250428
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/US-will-propose-dual-use-shipbuilding-to-Japan-navy-chief-says
U.S. military considering permanent deployment of F-35 fighter jets to S. Korea: source
Yonhap 20250427
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250427001200315
Is China's new cable-cutter a game-changer, or just hype?
ABC (AU) 20250428
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-28/undersea-cable-cutter-china-australia-seabed-pacific-islands/105175224
Exercises
Chinese ships spotted near ‘Balikatan’ drills; no disruption reported
PNA 20250427
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248839
Exercise Croix du Sud commences in New Caledonia
APDR 20250427
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/exercise-croix-du-sud-commences-in-new-caledonia/