Pacific Winds 20251027
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
US, China Tee Up Sweeping Trade Deal for Trump, Xi to Finish
Bloomberg 20251026
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-26/us-china-trade-talks-approach-final-details-greer-says?srnd=homepage-americas
Chinese and U.S. Officials Reach Framework of a Trade Deal
NYTimes 20251026
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/business/china-us-trade.html
Trump targets ‘complete deal’ with China when he meets Xi
SCMP 20251026
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3330339/trump-targets-complete-deal-china-when-he-meets-xi
The world looks forward to hearing more good news from China and the US
GT 20251027
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1346605.shtml
US won’t change Taiwan policy to get China deal, Rubio says before Trump-Xi talks
SCMP 20251026
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3330337/us-wont-change-taiwan-policy-get-china-deal-rubio-says-trump-xi-talks
China’s De-Americanization Strategy
The Diplomat 20251024
https://thediplomat.com/2025/10/chinas-de-americanization-strategy/
Hegseth to visit Asia to call for allies to increase defense spending, contribute to ‘collective defense’: Pentagon
Yonhap 20251027
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251027000300315
Takaichi says boosting Japan-U.S. alliance ‘top priority’ in first call with Trump
Japan Times 20251026
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10/26/japan/politics/takaichi-trump-first-call/
Japan, U.S. to Sign Agreement on Shipbuilding Cooperation as Trump Visits Japan
Yomiuri 20251027
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20251027-288760/
China gives Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi the cold shoulder
SCMP 20251026
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3330382/china-gives-japans-new-prime-minister-sanae-takaichi-cold-shoulder
Japanese PM Takaichi calls for free and open Indo-Pacific at Japan-ASEAN summit
NHK 20251026
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20251026_14/
68 pct of S. Koreans say unification is necessary: survey
Yonhap 20251026
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251026003100315
China’s 2027 Taiwan Threat: Two US Questions
Chosun 20251026
https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2025/10/26/MYKNHPEOWRHW3ACHQ5QZVRTWAQ/
US seeks to ‘return to Southeast Asia,’ but the region has moved on
GT 20251026
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1346583.shtml
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
No vision for Guam’s future
PDN 20251027
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/opinion-lotz-no-vision-for-guams-future/article_c30c2e8b-8896-4d68-a708-4796a929d593.html
Air Force orders more scrutiny of barracks
GDP 20251026
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/air-force-orders-more-scrutiny-of-barracks/article_0ce3c112-30eb-4646-b8d7-3096e279d403.html
Island Waves
Pacific Aid Map: 2025 Key Findings
Lowy 20251027
https://pacificaidmap.lowyinstitute.org/analysis/2025/key-findings/
Australia outpaces regional neighbours as Pacific’s largest donor
ABC (AU) 20251027
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-27/australia-cements-position-pacific-largest-donor-development-aid/105935742
Australia boosts Pacific aid as China outmanoeuvres US
AFR 20251026
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/australia-boosts-pacific-aid-as-china-outmanoeuvres-us-20251026-p5n5b2
Solomon Islands’ defence force dream: an Australia-China flashpoint?
SCMP 2025126
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3330233/solomon-islands-defence-force-dream-australia-china-flashpoint
Vatoro tower on North Vella now on air
Solomon Star 20251026
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/vatoro-tower-on-north-vella-now-on-air/
Timor-Leste joins ASEAN as 11th member; experts say move boosts regional stability and influence
GT 20251026
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1346571.shtml
Taiwan + SCS
Scholars urge US to lead talks with China to reduce Taiwan Strait tensions
Taiwan News 20251026
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6228297
Taiwan must step up defense: expert
Taipei Times 20251027
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/10/27/2003846168
Taiwan sends officers to US to fast-track NASAMS delivery
Taiwan News 20251026
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6228316
MOFA expresses ‘grave concerns’ over Singapore remarks
CNA (TW) 20251026
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202510260009
PLA Eastern Theater Command air force conducts training around Taiwan island
GT 20251026
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1346585.shtml
Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese military aircraft and 7 naval vessels
Taiwan News 20251026
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6228222
Capabilities
How China’s Coming 15th Five-Year Plan Will Reshape Military Innovation
The Diplomat 20251025
https://thediplomat.com/2025/10/how-chinas-coming-15th-five-year-plan-will-reshape-military-innovation/
Marine Corps’ latest Force Design update emphasizes logistics, firepower
Task & Purpose 20251025
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-corps-force-design-update/
What does a Chinese drone competition say about Beijing’s military ambitions?
SCMP 20251026
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3330368/what-does-chinese-drone-competition-say-about-beijings-military-ambitions
Industrial base, innovation drive rise of China’s shipbuilding sector
GT 20251026
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202510/1346385.shtml