Pacific Winds 20250619
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Pentagon chief points out 'new standard' for Asian, other allies' defense spending
Yonhap 20250619
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250619000200315
Lee, Ishiba to bolster cooperation with U.S. to cope with geopolitical crises, including N. Korea
Yonhap 20250618
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250618001752315
Ishiba holds first meeting with South Korea's Lee
Japan Times 20250618
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/18/japan/politics/ishiba-lee-japan-south-korea/
The outlook for Korean diplomacy under Lee Jae-myung
Think China 20250618
https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/outlook-korean-diplomacy-under-lee-jae-myung
Policy Considerations on the Prospects of a US–North Korea Summit: American and South Korean Perspectives
Hudson 20250618
https://www.hudson.org/security-alliances/policy-considerations-prospects-us-north-korea-summit-american-south-korean-patrick-cronin
AUKUS review emerged after talks with counterparts, SecDef says
Defense One 20250618
https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/06/aukus-review-emerged-after-talks-counterparts-secdef-says/406173/
In view of Trump’s review of AUKUS, should Australia cancel the subs deal? We asked 5 experts
The Conversation 20250617
https://theconversation.com/in-view-of-trumps-review-of-aukus-should-australia-cancel-the-subs-deal-we-asked-5-experts-258921
Albanese must learn that smiles and handshakes with Trump won’t save Australia’s AUKUS ambitions
Lowy 20250618
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/albanese-must-learn-smiles-handshakes-trump-won-t-save-australia-s-aukus-ambitions
How America First could undermine the Quad’s critical minerals plans
Lowy 20250618
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/how-america-first-could-undermine-quad-s-critical-minerals-plans
Southeast Asia deepens hedging amid Trump 2.0 turbulence
EAF 20250618
https://eastasiaforum.org/2025/06/18/southeast-asia-deepens-hedging-amid-trump-2-0-turbulence/
How will AI influence US-China relations in the next 5 years?
Brookings 20250618
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-will-ai-influence-us-china-relations-in-the-next-5-years/
China opposes G7’s manipulation of China-related issues: FM spokesperson
GT 20250618
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336434.shtml
Trump wants Japan's clout, but more needed before tariff deal
Kyodo 20250618
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/9d61dbdc2184-focus-trump-wants-japans-clout-but-more-needed-before-tariff-deal.html
Tariff Talks Rescheduled as Trump Rigid on Automobiles; Japan Officials Unable to Predict Timing of Agreement
Yomiuri 20250618
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20250618-264691/
After US-China talks in London: tight lips, concern and a tactical turning point?
SCMP 20250618
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3314797/after-us-china-talks-london-tight-lips-concern-and-tactical-turning-point
Nippon Steel finalizes deal to make U.S. Steel wholly owned
Kyodo 20250618
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/609917769ff3-urgent-nippon-steel-finalizes-deal-to-make-us-steel-wholly-owned.html
Carmakers’ Anxiety Grows as U.S. Tariff Talks Stall;Japan Exporters May Have No Choice But to Raise Prices
Yomiuri 20250618
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/economy/20250619-264712/
Long-term effects of Trump tariffs darken outlook of automakers
Asahi 20250618
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15849902
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Exercise games out response if Guam is caught in missile strike
PDN 20250618
https://www.guampdn.com/news/exercise-games-out-response-if-guam-is-caught-in-missile-strike/article_aa85543a-77ce-46b2-ac95-825aff5425d4.html
U.S. Coast Guard deploys band to Republic of Marshall Islands, raises awareness of boating safety
USCG FM/SG 20250618
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/500927/us-coast-guard-deploys-band-republic-marshall-islands-raises-awareness-boating-safety
Island Waves
New Zealand halts Cook Islands funding in stoush over China
RNZ 20250619
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/564578/new-zealand-halts-cook-islands-funding-in-stoush-over-china
MID officers learn about ‘Belt and Road’ initiative
Solomon Star 20250618
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/mid-officers-learn-about-belt-and-road-initiative/
Asia-Pacific journos complete internship with CGTN
Solomon Star 20250618
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/asia-pacific-journos-complete-internship-with-cgtn/
Fiji ready to send team to the US to negotiate trade tariffs
FBCN 20250618
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-ready-to-send-team-us-to-negotiate-trade-tariffs/
Taiwan + xCS
US commander says 'mission of deterrence' applies to Taiwan
Taiwan News 20250618
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6137169
Defense minister meets US officials
Taipei Times 20250619
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/06/19/2003838876
Wargames show Taiwan must not stand alone
Taiwan News 20250618
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6137119
Taiwan thanks G7 members for supporting cross-strait peace, stability
CNA (TW) 20250618
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202506180029
Taiwan’s accession to Pacific trade pact would uphold economic order
ASPI 20250618
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/taiwans-accession-to-pacific-trade-pact-would-uphold-economic-order/
Taiwanese, US firms display latest uncrewed surface vehicle tech with military potential
SCMP 20250618
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3314823/taiwanese-us-firms-display-latest-uncrewed-surface-vehicle-tech-military-potential
Taiwan tracks 7 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships
Taiwan News 20250618
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6136829
Scarborough Shoal a growing flashpoint between China and Philippines, think tank says
S&S 20250617
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2025-06-17/scarborough-shoal-china-philippines-18146874.html
Navigation warning: Military mission being conducted in South China Sea
China Military 20250618
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163/TopStories_209189/16391968.html
China ships challenge PCG, BFAR vessels setting fishing devices
Inquirer (PH) 20250618
https://www.inquirer.net/447192/china-ships-challenge-pcg-bfar-vessels-setting-fishing-devices/
Maritime approaches by Chinese Navy bring recon ships close to U.S. bases in Korea
Joong Ang 20250618
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-18/national/defense/Maritime-incursions-by-Chinese-Navy-bring-recon-ships-close-to-US-bases-in-Korea/2332864
Capabilities
Deterrence in retreat: Asia's security architecture faces its Trump test
Nikkei 20250618
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Deterrence-in-retreat-Asia-s-security-architecture-faces-its-Trump-test
China downplayed nuclear-capable missile test: classified NZ govt papers
AFP 20250618
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250618-china-downplayed-nuclear-capable-missile-test-classified-nz-govt-papers
U.S. Army Demonstrates Anti-Ship Potential in the Philippines
Naval News 20250617
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/06/u-s-army-demonstrates-anti-ship-potential-in-the-philippines/
What is the US’ island chain strategy and what does it mean for China?
SCMP 20250618
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3314589/can-island-chain-strategy-contain-chinas-blue-water-naval-ambitions
China’s aircraft carrier development aligns with global peace aspiration
GT 20250618
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336444.shtml
Boeing In Talks To Restart C-17 Production
TWZ 20250618
https://www.twz.com/air/boeing-in-talks-to-restart-c-17-production
Space Force is contracting with SpaceX for new, secretive MILNET SATCOM network
Breaking Defense 20250618
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/space-force-is-contracting-with-spacex-for-new-secretive-milnet-satcom-network/
DARPA Calls on Industry to Assist With Improving, Strengthening DOD Cybersecurity
US DoD 20250618
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4220945/darpa-calls-on-industry-to-assist-with-improving-strengthening-dod-cybersecurity/
Army Has Little to Show for its Efforts to Boost Air and Missile Defense, GAO Finds
National Defense 20250617
https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2025/6/17/gao-report-finds-army-lags-behind-in-digital-tools
‘Yesterday’s facilities,’ unstable workforce among base commanders’ worries
Defense One 20250618
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2025/06/yesterdays-facilities-unstable-workforce-among-base-commanders-worries/406169/
Exercises
520 landings, takeoffs seen from 2 Chinese carriers in Pacific: Japan
Kyodo 20250618
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/68e73589b03c-520-landings-takeoffs-seen-from-2-chinese-carriers-in-pacific-japan.html
In rare move, Japan releases map showing Chinese aircraft carrier activities
Japan Times 20250618
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/18/japan/chinese-aircraft-carriers/
Philippines, Japan, US Hold Second Round of Joint Coast Guard Exercises
The Diplomat 20250618
https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/philippines-japan-us-hold-second-round-of-joint-coast-guard-exercises/
Japan conducts maritime law enforcement drill with US, Philippines while ex-official hypes 'China threat'
GT 20250618
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336457.shtml
Navy denies China military's claim of 'coordinated patrols' during PH-Japan drills
PhilStar 20250617
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/06/17/2451277/navy-denies-china-militarys-claim-coordinated-patrols-during-ph-japan-drills
S. Korean Navy, Marine Corps to join multinational drills in Australia
Yonhap 20250618
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250618004100315
Japan, and Republic of Korea and U.S. air forces conduct trilateral defensive counter-air training
US IndoPaCom 20250618
https://www.pacom.mil/Media/NEWS/News-Article-View/Article/4219840/japan-and-republic-of-korea-and-us-air-forces-conduct-trilateral-defensive-coun/
Events
From Engagement to Disengagement: America’s evolving relations with China
AIIA 20 June 2025 1-2PM AEST
https://aiiavic.glueup.com/event/from-engagement-to-disengagement-america-s-evolving-relations-with-china-145562/home.html