Pacific Winds 20260301
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
China warns Japan against “reckless” moves toward neo-militarism
Xinhua 20260228
https://english.news.cn/20260228/66928660b1214bff8a4e0b6ef2a2a98d/c.html
The Strategic Value of China to Korea
CSIS 20260228
https://beyondparallel.csis.org/the-strategic-value-of-china-to-korea/
Manila-Tokyo ties key to national security
Manila Times 20260301
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/01/opinion/contributors/manila-tokyo-ties-key-to-national-security/2290440
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
‘We’re not interested in being guinea pigs out here;” Guam bucks US plans to accelerate deep-sea mining
PIT 20260228
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/we-re-not-interested-in-being-guinea-pigs-out-here-guam-bucks-us-plans-to-accelerate-deep-sea-min
Details about Andersen dieldrin investigation pending; documents show it was 1 of numerous ‘chemicals of concern’ in 1993
PDN 20260228
https://www.guampdn.com/news/details-about-andersen-dieldrin-investigation-pending-documents-show-it-was-1-of-numerous-chemicals-of/article_725a7d80-2d76-42bf-b477-94b81597aaf6.html
Island Waves
Canberra’s ‘Guns and Ghosts’ Strategy to Rule Waigani
Post Courier (PNG) 20260228
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/canberras-guns-and-ghosts-strategy-to-rule-waigani/
US funds Fiji’s fight against maritime crime
Islands Business 20260228
https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/us-funds-fijis-fight-against-maritime-crime/
Fiji and the US sign landmark deal to boost economic growth
Islands Business 20260301
https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/fiji-and-the-us-sign-landmark-deal-to-boost-economic-growth/
Japan commits more support to development
FBCN 20260228
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/japan-commits-more-support-to-development/
US Visa Restrictions leave 60 Tongan students stranded despite scholarship offers
Matangi Tonga 20260228
https://matangitonga.to/2026/02/28/us-visa-restrictions-leave-60-tongan-students-stranded-despite-scholarship-offers
NZ-backed training strengthens VPF safety standards
Daily Post 20260228
https://www.dailypost.vu/news/nz-backed-training-strengthens-vpf-safety-standards/article_94ad45b2-a96d-59e4-abfe-13d0bda6c501.html
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan Arms Sale Approved by Congress Is Delayed as Trump Plans Visit to Beijing
NYTimes 20260227
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/27/us/politics/trump-taiwan-arms-sale.html
US administration reportedly delays announcing arms sales to Taiwan; move a slap in face of DPP: expert
GT 20260228
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202602/1355895.shtml
Taiwan is buying expensive US weapons systems, but are they the right ones?
SCMP 20260228
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3344968/taiwan-buying-expensive-us-weapons-systems-are-they-right-ones
Taiwan tracks 7 Chinese naval vessels and 1 balloon
Taiwan News 20260228
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6311096
Capabilities
U.S. Army Attack Helicopters Hold Maritime Attack Drills in the Pacific
USNI 20260227
https://news.usni.org/2026/02/27/u-s-army-attack-helicopters-hold-maritime-attack-drills-in-the-pacific