Pacific Winds 20250804

A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region

Alliances

AUKUS is Alive and Well, but will it survive Donald Trump?
Sunday Guardian 20250803
https://sundayguardianlive.com/editors-choice/aukus-is-alive-and-well-but-will-it-survive-donald-trump-136796/

S. Korea, U.S. yet to iron out non-tariff barrier issues despite tariff deal
Yonhap 20250803
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250803002500320

Micronesia-Marianas (2^nd Island Chain+)

C-130 Maintainers Show Herk-ulean Strength At Pacific Exercise
Air & Space 20250803
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-c-130-maintainers-guam-dle/

Guam National Guard activates new historic squadron
PDN 20250803
https://www.guampdn.com/news/guam-national-guard-activates-new-historic-squadron/article_70cc3672-211c-4dc6-bc75-1f0090003b38.html

Tarague detonation lawsuit will proceed, appeals court denies Air Force rehearing request
PDN 20250803
https://www.guampdn.com/news/tarague-detonation-lawsuit-will-proceed-appeals-court-denies-air-force-rehearing-request/article_9d2c03bb-1536-4cde-bc65-acc7a01861b8.html

Guam 3D Printing Facility to Enhance Navy Maintenance Capabilities
National Interest 20250802
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/guam-3d-printing-facility-to-enhance-navy-maintenance-capabilities-wl-080225

Island Waves

China affirms “No military base” plans in Fiji
FBCN 20250803
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/china-affirms-no-military-base-plans-in-fiji/

Fiji secures reduced tariffs on exports to U.S
FBCN 20250803
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-secures-reduced-tariffs-on-exports-to-u-s/

Fiji hails trade win as U.S. cuts tariffs from 32% to 15%
Fiji Times 20250803
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fiji-hails-trade-win-as-u-s-cuts-tariffs-from-32-to-15/

Fiji and Japan sign justice cooperation deal to strengthen rule of law
Fiji Times 20250803
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fiji-and-japan-sign-justice-cooperation-deal-to-strengthen-rule-of-law/

Taiwan + xCS

Trump might adopt ‘fluid’ Strait strategy: US experts
Taipei Times 20250804
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/08/04/2003841442

Upgraded frigate equipped with advanced missiles, radar system: Expert
CNA (TW) 20250803
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202508030008

Taiwan tracks 5 Chinese military aircraft and 7 ships
Taiwan News 20250803
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6170456

India and Philippines to Launch First Joint Maritime Drills in South China Sea
Naval News 20250802
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/08/india-and-philippines-to-launch-first-joint-maritime-drills-in-south-china-sea/

Joint drills of India, Philippines in S.China Sea 'more symbolic than substantive'
GT 20250803
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202508/1339996.shtml

Two Chinese government ships enter Japan's waters off Senkaku Islands
NHK 20250802
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250802_07/

Capabilities

Major S. Korean shipbuilders launch joint task force for massive U.S. investment project
Yonhap 20250803
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250803000600320

Chinese scientists say they can create a ‘storm eye’ for PLA forces in electronic warfare
SCMP 20250803
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3320354/chinese-scientists-say-they-can-create-storm-eye-pla-forces-electronic-warfare

Exercises

Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and anti-submarine drills in Sea of Japan
Reuters 20250803
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/russian-chinese-navies-carry-out-artillery-anti-submarine-drills-sea-japan-2025-08-03/

China, Russia Joint Sea-2025 naval drill enters full maritime exercise phase
GT 20250803
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202508/1339962.shtml