Pacific Winds 20260108

A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region

Alliances

Lee says he asked Beijing to play mediator role on Korean Peninsula
Yonhap 20260107
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260107005800315

Chinese President Xi Jinping urges Seoul to be ‘patient’ over North Korean nuclear talks
SCMP 20260107
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3339046/chinese-president-xi-jinping-urges-seoul-be-patient-over-north-korean-nuclear-talks

China vs America: Dan Wang and his sceptics
Lowy 20260107
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/china-vs-america-dan-wang-his-sceptics

Colby seeks visits to S. Korea, Japan in late Jan.: sources
Yonhap 20260107
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260107010200315

Japan to check if China’s latest dual-use export ban covers rare earths
Kyodo 20260107
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/68095

China’s Threat to Block Rare Earths Has Put Japan on High Alert
NYTimes 20260107
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/business/china-japan-rare-earths.html

Japan decries Chinese export restrictions that could cripple defenses
Defense News 20260107
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2026/01/07/japan-decries-chinese-export-restrictions-that-could-cripple-defenses/

Japan condemns China’s dual-use export ban as rare earth curbs loom
Reuters 20260107
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-says-chinas-dual-use-export-ban-unacceptable-rare-earths-crosshairs-2026-01-07/

Japan’s protest against China’s export controls reflects ‘stubborn refusal’ to admit mistakes: expert
GT 20260107
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1352542.shtml

China Escalates Feud With Japan, Probes Chipmaking Material
Bloomberg 20260107
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-06/japan-protests-china-s-new-export-controls-on-dual-use-goods

Micronesia-Marianas (2^nd Island Chain+)

Guam EPA to senators: Andersen Air Force Base possible source of dieldrin contamination
PDN 20260107
https://www.guampdn.com/news/guam-epa-to-senators-andersen-air-force-base-possible-source-of-dieldrin-contamination/article_e9f89005-4edd-4b16-a197-f39f6b3254c8.html

First new Marine Corps base in decades nears readiness on Guam
S&S 20260107
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-01-07/marine-corps-camp-blaz-guam-20325967.html

Island Waves

Fijians may face up to US$15,000 bond requirement to enter U.S
Fiji Village 20260107
https://www.fijivillage.com/news/fijians-may-face-up-to-15-000-bond-requirement-to-enter-u-s-85a940/

$12.5 million boost for waste services
FBCN 20260108
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/12-5-million-boost-for-waste-services/

$1.5m supports transport, livelihood in MOI
Solomon Star 20260107
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/1-5m-supports-transport-livelihood-in-moi/

POROMA–KUTUBU ROAD UPGRADE BOOSTS SOUTHERN CORRIDOR CONNECTIVITY
PNG Haus Bung 20260107
https://pnghausbung.com/poroma-kutubu-road-upgrade-boosts-southern-corridor-connectivity/

Taiwan + xCS

‘Resolving Taiwan question is a matter for Chinese’: spokesperson rejects ‘concerns’ from island over mainland’s follow of US approach in Venezuela
GT 20260107
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1352534.shtml

Taiwan says China’s war games sought to undermine global support for the island
Reuters 20260107
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-says-chinas-war-games-sought-undermine-global-support-island-2026-01-07/

Honesty is never a virtue on the Taiwan Strait
Think China 20260106
https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/honesty-never-virtue-taiwan-strait

Beijing puts 2 more Taiwanese cabinet ministers on sanctions list
SCMP 20260107
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3339010/beijing-puts-two-more-serving-taiwanese-cabinet-ministers-sanctions-list

Taiwan tracks 11 Chinese military aircraft, 7 ships
Taiwan News 20260107
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6277845

China Coast Guard Presence Near Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Reaches Record High in 2025
The Diplomat 20260106
https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/china-coast-guard-presence-near-senkaku-diaoyu-islands-reaches-record-high-in-2025/

Lee says China expected to remove part of disputed steel structures from overlapping waters in Yellow Sea
Yonhap 20260107
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260107008400315

Capabilities

China’s stealth design software PADJ-X finds potential flaws in B-21 bomber configuration
SCMP 20260107
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3338902/chinas-stealth-design-software-padj-x-finds-potential-flaws-b-21-bomber-configuration

China’s powerful new microwave weapon system can destroy drone swarms within 3km
SCMP 20260107
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338877/chinas-powerful-new-microwave-weapon-system-can-destroy-drone-swarms-within-3km

Overhauling acquisition, production and procurement processes to rebuild the industrial base
Breaking Defense 20260107
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/overhauling-acquisition-production-and-procurement-processes-to-rebuild-the-industrial-base/