Pacific Winds 20260215
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
China, U.S. agree to strengthen dialogue, cooperation in various fields
Xinhua 20260214
https://english.news.cn/20260214/46006cae600d4937ae14473114ed8f73/c.html
China and US must talk – we owe it to the world, Rubio tells Munich Security Conference
SCMP 20260214
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343577/rubio-european-allies-our-destiny-will-be-intertwined-yours
U.S., China top diplomats agree to seek stable ties ahead of Trump’s trip
Kyodo 20260214
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/70539
Trump-style diplomacy could win friends for China but harm US ties with Beijing
SCMP 20260214
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/3343426/trump-style-diplomacy-could-win-friends-china-harm-us-ties-beijing
With eye on China, Koizumi stresses importance of rules-based order
Japan Times 20260214
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/14/japan/politics/shinjiro-koizumi-munich-china/
Japan Releases Chinese Boat Captain After Detaining Him for 30 Hours
NYTimes 20260214
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/world/asia/japan-china-boat-captain-release.html
China warning: Row puts millions of PH jobs at risk
Inquirer (PH) 20260214
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/309047/china-warning-row-puts-millions-of-ph-jobs-at-risk
Democrats take aim at Trump for shelving China tech measures
Reuters 20260213
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/democrats-take-aim-trump-shelving-china-tech-measures-2026-02-13/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Marines may stay in Okinawa as Guam’s role potentially shifts toward logistics hub
GDP 20260214
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/marines-may-stay-in-okinawa-as-guam-s-role-potentially-shifts-toward-logistics-hub/article_7b767608-f9c6-4e09-b8a7-0cd255c863d4.html
Island Waves
Japan gives $913,000 to construct two new school blocks
Fiji Times 20260214
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/japan-gives-913000-to-construct-two-new-school-blocks/
RSIPF Strengthens Frontline Policing Through Tactical Communication Training
Solomon Star 20260214
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/rsipf-strengthens-frontline-policing-through-tactical-communication-training/
Vanuatu and France renew long-standing AFD development partnership
Daily Post (VU) 22060214
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/vanuatu-and-france-renew-long-standing-afd-development-partnership/article_f4a2f679-f134-5ddb-b316-d17cc677c126.html
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan defence budget delays may push island down US priority list, William Lai warns
SCMP 20260214
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343466/taiwan-defence-budget-delays-may-push-island-down-us-priority-list-william-lai-warns
Taiwan tracks 1 PLA aircraft, 7 naval vessels and 1 official ship
Taiwan News 20260214
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6303172
Coral to Concrete: China Building New Facilities in the Paracel Islands
Open Source Centre 20260213
https://www.opensourcecentre.org/research/coral-to-concrete
Capabilities
Trump Administration Details ‘Make Shipbuilding Great Again’ Effort in New Action Plan
USNI 20260213
https://news.usni.org/2026/02/13/trump-administration-details-make-shipbuilding-great-again-effort-in-new-action-plan
Trump gov’t releases maritime plan codifying ‘historic’ shipbuilding cooperation with S. Korea, Japan
Yonhap 20260214
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260214001700315
Mini Missiles Used To Shoot Down Incoming Missiles Eyed For USAF Tanker Fleet
TWZ 20260213
https://www.twz.com/uncategorized/mini-missiles-used-to-shoot-down-incoming-missiles-eyed-for-usaf-tanker-fleet
S. Korea, U.S. discuss strengthening naval supply chain in Indo-Pacific
Yonhap 20260214
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260213008000315
China remains undeterred in the grey zone
EAF 20260214
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/02/14/china-remains-undeterred-in-the-grey-zone/
Winning the air war: Countering China’s information manipulation strategy
Phil Star 20260214
https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2026/02/14/2507973/winning-air-war-countering-chinas-information-manipulation-strategy