Pacific Winds 20260504
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Takaichi Highlights Support Measures in Vietnam Speech, Pledges to Modify Indo-Pacific Initiative to Boost Ties
Yomiuri 20260504
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20260504-325723/
Takaichi bound for Australia to strengthen economic, security ties
SCMP 20260503
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3352272/takaichi-bound-australia-strengthen-economic-security-ties
Japan and Australia in the Indo-Pacific
IISS 20260430
https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2026/04/japan-and-australia-in-the-indo-pacific/
Why a 5-year defence pact between North Korea and Russia could make China uneasy
SCMP 20260503
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3352265/why-5-year-defence-pact-between-north-korea-and-russia-could-make-china-uneasy
The US sanctioned Chinese oil refineries. Now China is really pushing back
SCMP 20260503
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3352278/us-sanctioned-chinese-oil-refineries-now-china-really-pushing-back
Island Waves
PMJM URGES PNG STUDENTS IN CHINA TO BECOME NATION-BUILDERS
PNG Haus Bung 20260503
https://pnghausbung.com/pmjm-urges-png-students-in-china-to-become-nation-builders/
Honiara International Airport Rescue Fire Service Station opens
Solomon Star 20260503
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/honiara-international-airport-rescue-fire-service-station-opens/
Taiwan + SCS
Faith, hope and ancestry: William Lai’s clan village in Beijing’s push for cross-strait ties
SCMP 20260503
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3352228/faith-hope-and-ancestry-william-lais-clan-village-beijings-push-cross-strait-ties
Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese ships, 1 military drone
Taiwan Nes 20260503
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6353314
China Coast Guard takes lawful measures against an illegal landing by Philippine crew on Tiexian Jiao
GT 20260503
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1360209.shtml
PCG: Aircraft, vessels sent after 4 Chinese ships operating illegally in PH waters
GMA 20260503
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/986222/pcg-chinese-ships-philippine-waters/story/
Events
What’s Next for Japanese Security Policy and U.S.-Japan Relations? Perspectives from the Diet
CSIS 4 May 10-11 AM EDT
https://www.csis.org/events/whats-next-japanese-security-policy-and-us-japan-relations-perspectives-diet