Pacific Winds 20260109

Jan 08, 2026

Alliances

Trump looms large over host of diplomatic challenges facing Japan in 2026
Japan Times 20260108
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/08/japan/politics/japan-diplomatic-outlook/

Lee says China visit cemented foundation for full restoration of ties with Beijing
Yonhap 20260108
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260108006300315

Lee’s First Visit to Beijing: A Nuanced Restoration of China-South Korea Ties
The Diplomat 20260108
https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/lees-first-visit-to-beijing-a-nuanced-restoration-of-china-south-korea-ties/

Smiles all around at South Korea-China summit
Asia Times 20260109
https://asiatimes.com/2026/01/smiles-all-around-at-south-korea-china-summit/

Korean peninsula arms race is heating up. How will China react in 2026?
SCMP 20260108
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338853/korean-peninsula-arms-race-heating-how-will-china-react-2026

No easy resolution to China-Japan rift over Taiwan, academics say
S&S 20260108
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-01-08/japan-china-taiwan-rift-20338741.html

Chinese ambassador rejects Japan’s protest over dual-use items export control
Xinhua 20260108
https://english.news.cn/20260108/1f76e7d51ab94dceb2e580a7b5ede6ca/c.html

China says dual-use export control on Japan not to affect civilian trade
Kyodo 20260108
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/68174

‘Hard to say who’s winning’: China and Australia battle for influence in Solomon Islands policing
Guardian 20260108
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/08/china-australia-solomon-islands-influence

VT2B Chinese grant to upgrade Port Vila CBD roads
Daily Post (VU) 20260108
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/local_news/

US withdraws support for Pacific environment program
Islands Business 20260108
https://islandsbusiness.com/breaking-news/us-withdraws-support-for-pacific-environment-program/

Pacific Islands environment programme says US must follow formal exit process
Reuters 20260108
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/pacific-islands-environment-programme-says-us-must-follow-formal-exit-process-2026-01-08/

Japan Defense Minister Koizumi Visits Okinawa; Seeks to Bolster Cooperation by Easing Burden of U.S. Bases
Yomiuri 20260108
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20260108-302897/

Chinese warship transits spike around future Japan-U.S. base
Asahi 20260108
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16272494

Chinese drill near Taiwan seen as test run for blockade, message to US
Defense News 20260108
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2026/01/08/chinese-drill-near-taiwan-seen-as-test-run-for-blockade-message-to-us/

PLA drills target swarms of suicide drones – Taiwan’s front line of defence
SCMP 20260108
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3339041/pla-drills-target-swarms-suicide-drones-taiwans-front-line-defence

China’s military drills normalize Taiwan’s encirclement
Taiwan News 20260108
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6278305

Beijing’s ‘cross-border pressure’ shows Taiwan is not China: President Lai
CNA (TW) 20260108
https://focustaiwan.tw/cross-strait/202601080008

Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese military aircraft, 6 ships
Taiwan News 20260108
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6278775

China’s patrols near Diaoyu Dao legitimate; Japan urged to exercise restraint, says MND spokesperson over Japan hyping ‘record’ patrols
GT 20260108
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1352630.shtml

China launches Woody Island fresh food link as disputed Paracels hub expands
SCMP 20260108
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3339176/china-launches-woody-island-fresh-food-link-disputed-paracels-hub-expands