Pacific Winds 20260116
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM
GT 20260115
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353278.shtml
China willing to work with Canada to foster new growth drivers: premier
Xinhua 20260115
https://english.news.cn/20260115/5ca69114049f47e1b67c0015e739aa99/c.html
FM responds to query on extent of US-caused interference as Wang Yi saying China is willing to work with Canada to eliminate interference
GT 20260115
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353296.shtml
Under Washington’s shadow: Canada’s China dilemma
Think China 20260115
https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/under-washingtons-shadow-canadas-china-dilemma
As tensions rise in the Pacific, US partners say they are in for the long haul
Defense One 20260115
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2026/01/tensions-rise-pacific-us-partners-say-they-are-long-haul/410722/
The US-Japan Alliance Must Be the Linchpin of Asia in the 2025 US National Security Strategy
AIIA 20260115
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/the-us-japan-alliance-must-be-the-linchpin-of-asia-in-the-2025-us-national-security-strategy/
Why Australia is investing in defence infrastructure at five military sites in the Philippines
ABC (AU) 20260115
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-15/australia-defence-investment-bases-philippines-us-china/106220666
Japan, Philippines sign new security pacts as regional tensions rise
Reuters 20260115
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/japan-philippines-sign-new-security-pacts-regional-tensions-rise-2026-01-15/
Japan, Philippines Agree on Logistics Pact to Boost Security Ties Amid China’s Increasing Maritime Presence
Yomiuri 20260115
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260115-304317/
Japan, Philippines refine security pact with eye on China
Asia Times 20260115
https://asiatimes.com/2026/01/japan-philippines-refine-security-pact-with-eye-on-china/
South Korean leader Lee takes ‘pragmatic approach’ to reset ties with China, Japan
SCMP 20260115
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3339989/south-korean-leader-lee-takes-pragmatic-approach-reset-ties-china-japan
Takaichi’s Misplaced Hedging
RSIS 20260115
https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/takaichis-misplaced-hedging/
Trump’s greenlight for Nvidia AI chips to China draws fire from lawmakers, former officials
Reuters 20260114
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trumps-greenlight-nvidia-ai-chips-china-draws-fire-lawmakers-former-officials-2026-01-14
China firmly opposes, won’t accept Japanese PM’s request to lift dual-use export controls on Japan: MOFCOM
GT 20260115
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353309.shtml
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Sowei Clan files lawsuit challenging sale of Peleliu land for U.S. defense site
Island Times 20260115
https://islandtimes.org/sowei-clan-files-lawsuit-challenging-sale-of-peleliu-land-for-u-s-defense-site/
Perez demands answers on DOD housing plans amid local concern
Island Times 20260115
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/perez-demands-answers-on-dod-housing-plans-amid-local-concern/article_d56b617e-2c79-42fe-b99f-371c38d0ebc9.html
Trump administration accused of ‘slow-walking’ help to Pacific island veterans
Reuters 20260114
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-accused-slow-walking-help-pacific-island-veterans-2026-01-14/
President Simina Receives JICA Data Collection Survey Team on Passenger and Cargo Vessel Assistance
FSM 20260115
https://gov.fm/president-simina-receives-jica-data-collection-survey-team-on-passenger-and-cargo-vessel-assistance/
Island Waves
China matches US contribution to Pacific environmental body a week after Trump pulls out
RNZ 20260115
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/584107/china-matches-us-contribution-to-pacific-environmental-body-a-week-after-trump-pulls-out
Fiji included as US halts immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
FBCN 20260115
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-included-as-us-halts-immigrant-visa-processing-from-75-countries/
NZ govt eyes drones to help Pacific nations track illegal fishing
PMN 20260115
https://pmn.co.nz/read/pacific-region/nz-eyes-drones-to-help-pacific-nations-track-illegal-fishing
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan says more US arms sales are in the pipeline
Reuters 20260115
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-says-more-us-arms-sales-are-pipeline-2026-01-15/
Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese military aircraft, 1 balloon, 11 naval ships
Taiwan News 20260115
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6283152
Capabilities
Facing China, ASEAN Coast Guard Forum’s institutionalisation would bolster regional capability
ASPI 20260115
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/facing-china-asean-coast-guard-forums-institutionalisation-would-bolster-regional-capability/
Chinese Navy’s goal of projecting power farther ashore gains steam
Japan Times 20260115
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/15/world/chinese-naval-power-analysis/
Chinese military says it is developing over 10 quantum warfare weapons
SCMP 20260115
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3339907/chinese-military-says-it-developing-over-10-quantum-warfare-weapons
Impact and effort: A menu of AI and autonomy options for AUKUS Pillar II
USSC 20260115
https://www.ussc.edu.au/a-menu-of-ai-and-autonomy-options-for-aukus-pillar-ii