Pacific Winds 20250623
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
U.S. Wants Japan to Raise Defense Spending to 5% of GDP; Pentagon Spokesperson Calls it ‘Common Sense’ to Match Europe
Yomiuri 20250623
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20250623-265372/
Japan scraps '2+2' talks with US after defense spending hike demand sparks anger in Tokyo: media
GT 20250622
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336723.shtml
75 yrs after war outbreak, S. Korea-U.S. alliance looks headed for major shift
Yonhap 20250622
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250620002500315
The long journey of coexistence between South Korea and Japan
GT 20250622
|https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336726.shtml
Survey shows surge in support for US leadership in foreign affairs
Defense News 20250622
https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/06/22/survey-shows-surge-in-support-for-us-leadership-in-foreign-affairs/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Guam link in US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities
PDN 20250622
https://www.guampdn.com/news/updated-guam-link-in-us-attack-on-iranian-nuclear-facilities/article_e58d3226-335b-48b3-b59c-8952a30fdb54.html
China Reviving World War II Airfield in America's Backyard
Newsweek 22050622
https://www.newsweek.com/china-reviving-micronesia-woleia-airfield-pacific-islands-us-cofa-2077273
Island Waves
The fragile foundations of Pacific sovereignty
e-Tangata 20250622
https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/the-fragile-foundations-of-pacific-sovereignty/
PNG PM Marape arrives in Fiji for key MSG summit
Fiji Times 20250622
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/png-pm-marape-arrives-in-fiji-for-key-msg-summit/
JICA Support for RPNGC
Post Courier (PNG) 20250622
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/metropolitan-superintendent-enhance-jicas-cooperation-to-royal-papua-new-guinea-constabulary-rpngc/
China backs RFMF tutorial program
FBCN 20250622
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/china-backs-rfmf-tutorial-program/
Pacific Islands Countries Push For Action at UN Ocean Conference
The Diplomat 20250620
https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/pacific-islands-countries-push-for-action-at-un-ocean-conference/
Taiwan + SCS
What does a Taiwanese commander’s presence at US drill mean for future military ties?
SCMP 20250622
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3315333/what-does-taiwanese-commanders-appearance-us-drill-mean-future-military-ties
Chinese coast guard ushered out of waters near Taiwan's Dongsha Island
CNA (TW) 20250622
https://focustaiwan.tw/cross-strait/202506220008
Coast guard reveals Chinese intrusions
Taipei Times 20250623
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/06/23/2003839099
Taiwan is 'of course' a country, president says in rebuke to China
Reuters 20250622
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-is-of-course-country-president-says-rebuke-china-2025-06-22/
Taiwan tracks 12 PLA aircraft and 6 ships
Taiwan News 20250622
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6139595
Capabilities
Chinese official media releases footage documenting J-15 fighters' sortie from Liaoning to expel foreign aircraft
GT 20250622
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336724.shtml
Mideast distractions won’t shift US’ long-term focus on China: analysts
SCMP 20250622
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3315385/mideast-distractions-wont-shift-us-long-term-focus-china-analysts