Pacific Winds 20251014
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Why the US–Japan–South Korea trilateral agreement must evolve
Lowy 20251013
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-us-japan-south-korea-trilateral-agreement-must-evolve
FM Cho says S. Korea has ‘strong’ will to modernize alliance with U.S.
Yonhap 20251013
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251013004500315
Defense chief says he believes USFK buildup aimed at N.K. deterrence
Yonhap 20251013
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251013003251315
China’s defence white paper sets sights on Southeast Asia
EAF 20251013
https://eastasiaforum.org/2025/10/13/chinas-defence-white-paper-sets-sights-on-southeast-asia/
US-China trade flare-up a short-term scare as both sides seek off-ramp: analysts
SCMP 20251013
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3328829/us-china-trade-flare-short-term-scare-both-sides-seek-ramp-analysts
Trump, Xi Spark Another Standoff With World Economy at Risk
Bloomberg 20251013
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-13/trump-and-xi-trigger-another-standoff-with-world-economy-at-risk
Chinese FM reiterates US threatening high tariffs is not right way to deal with China
GT 20251013
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1345543.shtml
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Ants, spiders & snails found on military cargo from Tinian raise questions
KUAM 20251013
https://www.kuam.com/story/53152814/ants-spiders-and-snails-found-on-military-cargo-from-tinian-raise-questions
Island Waves
Ishmael Toroama outlines 100-day plan for Bougainville’s path to independence
RNZ 20251013
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/575717/ishmael-toroama-outlines-100-day-plan-for-bougainville-s-path-to-independence
Bougainville to Become a Demilitarized Zone: Marape
National (PNG) 20251013
https://www.thenational.com.pg/bougainville-to-become-a-demilitarised-zone-marape/
PM Marape: PNG-Indonesia Border Remains a Sensitive Issue Amid Defence Pact with Australia
Post Courier (PNG) 20251013
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pm-marape-png-indonesia-border-remains-a-sensitive-issue-amid-defence-pact-with-australia/
PLAN hospital ship Silk Road Ark visits Tonga
China Military 20251013
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/2025xb/H_251454/L_251456/16414963.html
FBC gains from Guangdong’s support
FBCN 20251013
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fbc-gains-from-guangdongs-support/
AUST BACKS COCOA SECTOR WITH LAUNCH OF LF & SONS’ NEW STORAGE FACILITY
Solomon Star 20251013
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/aust-backs-cocoa-sector-with-launch-of-lf-sons-new-storage-facility/
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan tracks 13 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships
Taiwan News 20251013
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6218555
Rift deepens between the Philippines, China over South China Sea
Reuters 20251013
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rift-deepens-between-philippines-china-over-south-china-sea-2025-10-13/
Philippines’ deliberate infringement and provocations ‘root cause of rising tensions,’ Chinese FM on CCG expelling Philippine vessels intruding into adjacent waters of China’s Tiexian Jiao
GT 20251013
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1345513.shtml
Capabilities
Is it time for the Army to stop defending Air Force air bases?
Defense News 20251013
https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-army/2025/10/13/is-it-time-for-the-army-to-stop-defending-air-force-air-bases/
Where to stash combat gear in the Indo-Pacific? The Army wants to know
Defense News 20251013
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/10/13/where-to-stash-combat-gear-in-the-indo-pacific-the-army-wants-to-know/
Army scrutinizes supply chain risks to deliver MV-75 aircraft by 2027
Defense News 20251013
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/10/13/army-scrutinizes-supply-chain-risks-to-deliver-mv-75-aircraft-by-2027/
China successfully launches new test satellite
Xinhua 20251013
https://english.news.cn/20251013/5c2174b63b054a239dd3f038e32f79ce/c.html
China’s military mouthpiece calls for ‘deep integration’ to beat joint operation weakness
SCMP 20251013
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3328826/deep-integration-chinese-military-will-overcome-its-weaknesses-pla-mouthpiece
Homeland pivot isn’t affecting troops in South Korea, so far: commander
Defense One 20251013
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2025/10/pivot-homeland-so-far-not-affecting-troops-south-korea-commander-says/408777