Pacific Winds 20260123
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Trump, Uncertainty, and China’s Anti-Alliance Strategy
WOTR 20260121
https://warontherocks.com/2026/01/trump-uncertainty-and-chinas-anti-alliance-strategy/
How Far Do China’s Ambitions Reach?
FP 20260121
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/21/china-united-states-trump-foreign-policy-competition/
Repercussions mount from China’s Japan strategy
Nikkei 20260122
https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-repercussions-mount-from-china-s-japan-strategy
Relevant export controls on Japan are justified, lawful to curb the country's 're-militarization' and nuclear ambitions: MOFCOM
GT 20260122
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353909.shtml
Japan not qualified for permanent seat on UN Security Council: Chinese envoy
Xinhua 20260122
https://english.news.cn/20260122/0fcbaed511f147fabda41dd4f6112de4/c.html
China is handling relevant matter in accordance with procedures, says FM on claim that China has not agreed to Japan’s appointment of a new Consul General in Chongqing
GT 20260122
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353913.shtml
S. Korea says to seek consultation with UNC over push to reopen border trails inside DMZ
Yonhap 20260122
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260122005451315
The Impact of the US National Security Strategy’s Blind Spot on North Korea
CSIS 20260121
https://www.38north.org/2026/01/the-impact-of-the-us-national-security-strategys-blind-spot-on-north-korea/
U.S. expert proposes S. Korea, U.S., others form ‘collective economic deterrence’ pact against Chinese pressure
Yonhap 20260122
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260122000200315
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Military set to launch drone tests over Guam next week
PIT 20260122
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/military-set-to-launch-drone-tests-over-guam-next-week
FSM and United States Reaffirm Partnership During High-Level Consultations
FSM 20260121
https://gov.fm/fsm-and-united-states-reaffirm-partnership-during-high-level-consultations/
Special advisor to Japan prime minister visits Guam for trade, military talks
PDN 20260122
https://www.guampdn.com/news/special-advisor-to-japan-prime-minister-visits-guam-for-trade-military-talks/article_a939c1d8-e261-40f2-b723-4fad427adf4a.html
Senator aims to shield Guam from a defense contracting abuse probe
GDP 20260122
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/senator-aims-to-shield-guam-from-a-defense-contracting-abuse-probe/article_a7004843-8d05-4f35-b3fe-28d0b8029824.html
Congressional pressure mounts to curb Chinese travel to CNMI; Delegate urges data‑driven approach
PIT 20260122
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/congressional-pressure-mounts-to-curb-chinese-travel-to-cnmi-delegate-urges-data-driven-approach
Record of decision for CNMI Joint Military Training project facing delay
PIT 20260122
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/record-of-decision-for-cnmi-joint-military-training-project-facing-delay
Island Waves
Pro-independence FLNKS ‘unequivocally’ reject latest agreement for New Caledonia
RNZ 20260122
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/584662/pro-independence-flnks-unequivocally-reject-latest-agreement-for-new-caledonia
NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters holds talks in Fiji
Fiji Times 20260122
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/nz-foreign-minister-winston-peters-holds-talks-in-fiji/
Taiwan + SCS
AIT head says Northrop Grumman has built ammunition testing range in Taiwan
Taiwan News 20260122
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6287752
Taiwan warns of China’s rapidly advancing spy operations
Taiwan News 20260122
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6287729
The first shot Taiwan hopes never to fire
Think China 20260122
https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/big-read-first-shot-taiwan-hopes-never-fire
The US needs Europe in a Taiwan fight. Here’s why, and how to make it happen.
Breaking Defense 20260122
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/the-us-needs-europe-in-a-taiwan-fight-heres-why-and-how-to-make-it-happen/
Beijing and Manila working on ‘road map’ for South China Sea talks, ambassador says
SCMP 20260122
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3340849/beijing-and-philippines-working-road-map-south-china-sea-talks-ambassador-says
PH, China in talks for ‘roadmap’ to manage SCS tensions – envoy
PNA 20260121
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267409
Philippines will insist South China Sea code is based on international law, foreign minister says
Reuters 20260122
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/philippines-will-insist-south-china-sea-code-is-based-international-law-foreign-2026-01-22/
Capabilities
Ships or Munitions? Clarifying the Discussion on Unmanned Surface Vessels
WOTR 20260121
https://warontherocks.com/2026/01/ships-or-munitions-clarifying-the-discussion-on-unmanned-surface-vessels/
China’s ship-hunting H-6J has a vulnerable kill chain
Asia Times 20260122
https://asiatimes.com/2026/01/chinas-ship-hunting-h-6j-has-a-vulnerable-kill-chain/
How 1,000 Chinese J-20s could challenge US dominance in the Indo-Pacific
SCMP 20260122
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3340871/how-1000-chinese-j-20s-could-challenge-us-dominance-indo-pacific
Philippines to Receive Surveillance Aircraft via U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program
USNI 20260122
https://news.usni.org/2026/01/22/philippines-to-receive-surveillance-aircraft-via-u-s-foreign-military-sales-program
The Organic Industrial Base and the Risks of Competing Against Ourselves
WOTR 20260122
https://warontherocks.com/2026/01/the-organic-industrial-base-and-the-risks-of-competing-against-ourselves/
Critical infrastructures face major threat from Chinese cyberattacks, nominee warns
WashTimes 20260120
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/20/critical-infrastructures-face-major-threat-chinese-cyberattacks/
Exercises
1,500 U.S. Marines and Japanese Troops to Train on First Island Chain Defense Next Month
USNI 20260121
https://news.usni.org/2026/01/21/1500-u-s-marines-and-japanese-troops-to-train-on-first-island-chain-defense-next-month