Pacific Winds 20250922
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
US House lawmakers make rare China visit to stabilise ties
Reuters 20240921
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-lawmakers-make-rare-china-visit-stabilise-ties-2025-09-21/
Hit by Trump's veto power, Nippon Steel reverses U.S. plant plan
Nikkei 20250921
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/trump-administration/hit-by-trump-s-veto-power-nippon-steel-reverses-u.s.-plant-plan
When the US cedes Asia to China
Asia Times 20250921
https://asiatimes.com/2025/09/when-the-us-cedes-asia-to-china/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
A Tiny Nation With a Fleeing Population
NYTimes 20250919
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/09/19/magazine/hilda-heine-marshall-islands-climate-interview.html
Taiwan, US helping Marshall Islands rebuild parliament
Taipei Times 20250922
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/09/22/2003844214
Guam pushes economic diversification through defense partnerships at forum
GDP 20250921
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/guam-pushes-economic-diversification-through-defense-partnerships-at-forum/article_4f8b04e7-1de3-4c22-ae1f-ef843bdb48a1.html
Mount Carmel, DOD partner to build up future local workforce
GDP 20250921
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/mount-carmel-dod-partner-to-build-up-future-local-workforce/article_90683ea1-9738-44f1-81cf-8655d0d14d17.html
Island Waves
$100M aid under discussion
Samoa Observer 20250920
https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/116175
SINBIP Baniata tower now on air
Solomon Star 20250921
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/sinbip-baniata-tower-now-on-air/
RAPPP supports RSIPF Frontline during PIF Leaders meeting
Solomon Star 20250921
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/rappp-supports-rsipf-frontline-during-pif-leaders-meeting/
US firms up Pacific presence
Fiji Times 20250921
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/us-firms-up-pacific-presence/
China reaffirms support for Fiji’s development
FBCN 20250921
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/china-reaffirms-support-for-fijis-development/
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan tracks 2 Chinese military aircraft and 6 naval vessels
Taiwan News 20250921
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6204594
US-China talks on South China Sea should have broader participation
Sunday Guardian 20250921
https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/us-china-talks-on-south-china-sea-should-have-broader-participation-144566/amp/
Capabilities
Lee vows to build smart, independent military through defense reform
Yonhap 20250921
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250921002700315
Skunk Works Unveils Vectis Air Combat Drone That Puts A Premium On Stealth
TWZ 20250921
https://www.twz.com/air/skunk-works-unveils-vectis-air-combat-drone-that-puts-a-premium-on-stealth
Events
The US held a major military drill minus an aircraft carrier. What does it mean for China?
SCMP 20250921
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3326285/us-held-major-military-drill-minus-aircraft-carrier-what-does-it-mean-china