Pacific Winds 20260528

A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region

May 27, 2026

Alliances

USFK commander says S. Korea is ‘dagger’ in heart of Asia from China’s perspective
Yonhap 20260527
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260527000200315

The paradox of SK’s quest for strategic autonomy
GT 20260527
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1362080.shtml

Top diplomats of N. Korea, Singapore hold talks in Pyongyang
Yonhap 20260527
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260527001000315

China Needs North Korea on Side
FP 20260527
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/05/27/xi-jinping-kim-jong-un-china-north-korea-visit/

Australia’s agency to craft its own choice
EAF 20260527
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/05/27/australias-agency-to-craft-its-own-choice/

Australia strengthens deterrence through multilateral partnerships
IPDF 20260527
https://ipdefenseforum.com/2026/05/australia-strengthens-deterrence-through-multilateral-partnerships/

Japanese, Philippine Leaders to Discuss Japan-ASEAN Economic Partnership Agreement
Yomiuri 20260527
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260527-329588/

China lodges representation over frequent detention of Chinese citizens by Philippine side, demands information and reasons within 4 days: embassy spokesperson
GT 20260527
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1362081.shtml

Micronesia-Marianas (2^nd Island Chain+)

JTF-M Meets Service Members in Palau
DVIDS 20260527
https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9708796/jtf-m-meets-service-members-palau

Containment, deterrence and holding the cards
PDN 20260528
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-underwood-containment-deterrence-and-holding-the-cards/article_11b8fb3d-548a-493d-9225-a299be219bb8.html

Island Waves

Quad nations announce major port partnership for Fiji
FBCN 20260527
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/quad-nations-announce-major-port-partnership-for-fiji/

Port support
Fiji Times 20260527
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/port-support/

PNG & CHINA TO HOST INAUGURAL FORUM & TRADE EXPO
PNG Haus Bung 20260527
https://pnghausbung.com/png-china-to-host-inaugural-forum-trade-expo/

Chinese medical teams in Solomon Islands turn health aid into lasting capacity, bringing treatment closer to patients in remote communities
GT 20260526
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1361979.shtml

Inside Xi Jinping’s Strategy to Export Ideas on State Control
NYTimes 20260527
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/world/asia/china-solomons-pacific-security-threats.html

UK Aims to Build PNG Maritime Defense Capabilities
Post Courier (PNG) 20260527
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/uk-aims-to-build-png-maritime-defense-capabilities/

‘ALL YOURS’
Solomon Star 20260527
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/all-yours/

Australia adds $2M to support inclusive development
Samoa Observer 20260527
https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/120134

Australia Continues Support for PNG Women Researchers with Advanced Training in Melbourne
Post Courier (PNG) 20260527
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australia-continues-support-for-png-women-researchers-with-advanced-training-in-melbourne/

Taiwan + SCS

A Trump–Lai call could strengthen deterrence – or make Taiwan look tradable
ASPI 20260527
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/a-trump-lai-call-could-strengthen-deterrence-or-make-taiwan-look-tradable/

As Five Eyes allies boost Taiwan Strait transits, why is US going a different route?
SCMP 20260527
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3354972/five-eyes-allies-boost-taiwan-strait-transits-why-us-going-different-route

KMT chair says US trip to reaffirm ‘one China’ policy
Taipei Times 20260527
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/28/2003858114

China Wants to Speak for Taiwan. The World Should Hear Taiwan Directly.
The Diplomat 20260526
https://thediplomat.com/2026/05/china-wants-to-speak-for-taiwan-the-world-should-hear-taiwan-directly/

No matter what tricks Lai and DPP employ, both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China, mainland spokesperson on DPP shifting independence tactics
GT 20260527
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1362079.shtml

China coast guard ships enter Kinmen restricted waters twice within 24 hours
Taiwan News 20260527
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6370761

Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships
Taiwan News 20260527
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6370688

China’s military says it drove away Dutch frigate in South China Sea
Reuters 20260527
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-military-says-it-drove-away-dutch-frigate-south-china-sea-2026-05-27/

PLA uses warning electronic jamming against consecutive intrusions of Dutch warship, aircraft in Xisha Islands; expert says move considered restrained
GT 20260527
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1362084.shtml

Capabilities

Exercises

China’s New Type 054B Frigate Makes Carrier Strike Group Debut in Western Pacific
Naval News 20260526
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/05/chinas-new-type-054b-frigate-makes-carrier-strike-group-debut-in-western-pacific/

New Chinese frigate joins carrier strike group training in western Pacific for first time
Japan Times 20260527
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/27/japan/china-aircraft-carrier-western-pacific/

China’s New Type 054B Frigate Joins Liaoning Carrier Group for First Time in Western Pacific
The Diplomat 20260527
https://thediplomat.com/2026/05/chinas-new-type-054b-frigate-joins-liaoning-carrier-group-for-first-time-in-western-pacific/

PCIS - Pacific Winds

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?