Pacific Winds 20260426
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Japan mulls strengthening protection of U.S. military facilities
Kyodo 20260425
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/74891
N. Korea slams Japan PM’s offering to war shrine
Yonhap 20260425
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260425000600315
US State Dept orders global warning about alleged AI thefts by DeepSeek, other Chinese firms
Reuters 20260424
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-state-dept-orders-global-warning-about-alleged-china-ai-thefts-by-deepseek-2026-04-24/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Marshall Islands, U.S. Representatives, Hold Joint Committee Meeting; Strengthen Partnerships
DVIDS 20260425
https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9633917/marshall-islands-us-representatives-hold-joint-committee-meeting-strengthen-partnerships
36th Wing CAT supports FEMA-led Typhoon Sinlaku response as part of Joint Task Force–Micronesia
US IndoPaCom 20260424
https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Articles/Article/4470718/36th-wing-cat-supports-fema-led-typhoon-sinlaku-response-as-part-of-joint-task/
Island Waves
Fiji strengthens border security through NZ partnership
FBCN 20260425
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-strengthens-border-security-through-nz-partnership/
Deputy Assistant Secretary Murray Launches Founders Museum
Solomon Star 20260425
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/deputy-assistant-secretary-murray-launches-founders-museum/
Taiwan + SCS
Would Taiwan ceding Penghu to US be a bridge too far?
Taiwan News 20260425
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6347979
Taiwan tracks 8 Chinese military aircraft and 7 naval vessels
Taiwan News 20260425
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6347934
Chinese, Vietnamese coast guards conduct first joint patrol in Beibu Gulf in 2026: official release
GT 20260425
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202604/1359757.shtml
Capabilities
U.S. Considering Foreign Designs, Shipyards for New Navy Frigate, Destroyer Work in $1.85B Study
USNI 20260424
https://news.usni.org/2026/04/24/u-s-considering-foreign-designs-shipyards-for-new-navy-frigate-destroyer-work-in-1-85b-study
US uses unusual routes to send jet fuel to Japan, Philippine bases amid Hormuz closure
SCMP 20260425
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3351412/us-uses-unusual-routes-send-jet-fuel-japan-philippine-bases-amid-hormuz-closure
Space Force faces surge in demand for heavy-lift launches
Space News 20260425
https://spacenews.com/space-force-faces-surge-in-demand-for-heavy-lift-launches/
Exercises
China holds live-fire drills in waters near Luzon as US, Philippines stage war games
Reuters 20260424
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-holds-live-fire-drills-waters-near-philippines-luzon-island-2026-04-24/
U.S. Anti-Ship Missiles in the Philippines for Balikatan 2026
Naval News 20260425
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/04/u-s-anti-ship-missiles-in-the-philippines-for-balikatan-2026/