Pacific Winds 20250706
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
China-Australia, a gradual mending of a relationship
GT 20250705
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337675.shtml
China’s Military Diplomacy in the New Era
The Diplomat 20250704
https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/chinas-military-diplomacy-in-the-new-era/
Why South Korea Needs a Trade Deal With the United States
The Diplomat 20250704
https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/why-south-korea-needs-a-trade-deal-with-the-united-states/
Trump’s tariff letters to 12 nations set to land on Monday, with rates up to 70%
SCMP 20250705
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3317069/trumps-tariff-letters-12-nations-set-land-monday-rates-70
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
$295M contract awarded for Guam Defense command center
GDP 20250706
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/295m-contract-awarded-for-guam-defense-command-center/article_61e2c127-a035-4aa8-891c-7206c3012a1f.html
Island Waves
Reframing the French Indo-Pacific: New Caledonia, How to Overcome the Geopolitical Impasse?
The Diplomat 20250705
https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/reframing-the-french-indo-pacific-new-caledonia-how-to-overcome-the-geopolitical-impasse/
Macron suggests new options for New Caledonia’s future status
RNZ 20250705
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/566029/macron-suggests-new-options-for-new-caledonia-s-future-status
Australia is a partner Solomon Islands can count on
SIBC 20250705
https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/australia-solomon-islands-partnership-plan-2024-2029/
Peace Corps celebrates swearing-in of new Volunteers and 35 years of service in Vanuatu
Daily Post (VU) 20250705
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/peace-corps-celebrates-swearing-in-of-new-volunteers-and-35-years-of-service-in-vanuatu/article_68826024-1a43-54a4-be93-2064dfc2fce2.html
Taiwan + SCS
US economic statecraft must catch up to its Taiwan strategy
EAF 20250705
https://eastasiaforum.org/2025/07/05/us-economic-statecraft-must-catch-up-to-its-taiwan-strategy/
Fear of China keeps world timid on Taiwan: UK ex-defense chief
Nikkei 20250705
https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Fear-of-China-keeps-world-timid-on-Taiwan-UK-ex-defense-chief
Taiwan confronts Chinese spy threat with security reforms
Taiwan News 20250705
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6149377
Taiwan tracks 18 Chinese military aircraft, 12 ships
Taiwan News 20250705
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6149346
Capabilities
Will US strikes on Iran tighten North Korea’s nuclear resolve? Why China might be worried
SCMP 20250705
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3317103/will-us-strikes-iran-tighten-north-koreas-nuclear-resolve-why-china-might-be-worried
South Korea, Japan step up as US targets China’s shipbuilding industry – can they succeed?
SCMP 20250705
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3316971/south-korea-japan-step-us-targets-chinas-shipbuilding-industry-can-they-succeed
B-21 Production Is Speeding Up, But How Much and For How Long Is Still Unclear
Air & Space 20250705
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/b-21-production-speeding-up-how-much/
Exercises
UK, France and Italy align carriers for Indo-Pacific mission
UKDJ 20250704
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-france-and-italy-align-carriers-for-indo-pacific-mission/