Pacific Winds 20250811
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
U.S. officials considered demanding Korea raise defense spending to 3.8 pct of GDP in tariff talks: report
Yonhap 20250810
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250810000251315
Trump Expands Use of Tariffs to Reach National Security Goals
WaPo 20250809
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/09/trump-trade-policy-national-security/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Coast Guard says Chinese vessels are near Guam legally
GDP 20250810
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/coast-guard-says-chinese-vessels-are-near-guam-legally/article_f9c73a5a-e934-4760-806e-5a393dddc106.html
Missile Defense Agency's document is inadequate
PDN 20250811
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/opinion-lotz-missile-defense-agencys-document-is-inadequate/article_81a2b961-e89b-457a-b032-a21166dc3ca3.html
Island Waves
The Pacific Way betrayed: Why Taiwan still matters to Solomon Islands
Sunday Guardian 20250810
https://sundayguardianlive.com/editors-choice/the-pacific-way-betrayed-why-taiwan-still-matters-to-solomon-islands-137071/
Taiwan + SCS
Pompeo pushes for strategic clarity on Taiwan
Taiwan News 20250810
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6175823
New edition of Lai's ‘impurities theory’: All dissenting voices labeled as ‘external manipulation’
GT 20250810
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202508/1340526.shtml
India should be rational on Taiwan question
GT 20250810
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202508/1340534.shtml
Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese military aircraft and 11 ships
Taiwan News 20250810
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6175814
Capabilities
USFK commander says taking 'shortcuts' for OPCON transition could hurt readiness
Yonhap 20250810
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250809002400315
USFK commander underscores 'capabilities' over 'numbers' amid force adjustment talks
Yonhap 20250810
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250809002451315
China fired warning shots at Japan destroyer in 2024 entry: sources
Kyodo 20250810
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/59006
PT PAL Indonesia Offers MRO Support for U.S. Navy Ships
Naval News 20250810
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/08/pt-pal-indonesia-offers-mro-support-for-u-s-navy-ships/