Pacific Winds 20260704
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Reckoning With the Evolving China-Russia Threat
The Diplomat 20260702
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/reckoning-with-the-evolving-china-russia-threat/
After 250 years of American independence, what do Australians think about the US?
The Conversation 20260702
https://theconversation.com/after-250-years-of-american-independence-what-do-australians-think-about-the-us-286253
Where exactly are certain Australian authorities trying to steer China-Australia ties?
GT 20260702
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365024.shtml
China sends warning to Japan and the Philippines over ‘wrongful’ maritime talks
SCMP 20260703
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3359264/china-sends-warning-japan-and-philippines-over-wrongful-maritime-talks
Japan’s FOIP turns to India for regional resilience
EAF 20260703
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/07/03/japans-foip-turns-to-india-for-regional-resilience/
White House official says Coupang ‘singled out’ by Lee gov’t, warns against ‘unfair’ trade practices
Yonhap 20260703
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260703001151315
Cheong Wa Dae refutes U.S. House committee report alleging discrimination against Coupang
Yonhap 20260703
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260703009751315
Ex-Trump official warns Coupang dispute could strain S. Korea-U.S. alliance amid security threats
Yonhap 20260703
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260703001000315
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Guam: Where America’s 250th Birthday Will First Be Honored
The Diplomat 20260702
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/guam-where-americas-250th-birthday-will-first-be-honored/
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States
PDN 20260703
https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-underwood-celebrating-the-250th-anniversary-of-the-united-states/article_c27fe4cd-442a-4943-98be-df0f59c3a52d.html
Taiwan, Marshall Islands deepen economic and diplomatic partnership, says President Lai
PINA 20260703
https://pina.com.fj/2026/07/03/taiwan-marshall-islands-deepen-economic-and-diplomatic-partnership-says-president-lai/
Anzac teamwork sinks target
AU DoD 20260703
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-07-03/anzac-teamwork-sinks-target
Island Waves
Solomon Islands PM says ‘growing consensus’ in support of regional security agreement
ABC (AU) 20260703
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-03/solomon-islands-pm-says-growing-consensus-for-security-deal/106874902
Washington’s Blue Pacific problem
Lowy 20260703
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/washington-s-blue-pacific-problem
Pacific security race heats up as Australia and China court Vanuatu
Islands Business 20260703
https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/pacific-security-race-heats-up-as-australia-and-china-court-vanuatu/
Fiji to welcome Albanese for bilateral talks
FBCN 20260703
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-to-welcome-albanese-for-bilateral-talks/
Papua separatists claim to have shot dead a US pilot who transported Indonesian troops
ABC (AU) 20260703
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-03/west-papua-separatists-kill-us-pilot/106874312
Fears for more conflict in West Papua after American pilot killed
RNZ 20260703
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/659917/fears-for-more-conflict-in-west-papua-after-american-pilot-killed
Indonesia defends high number of military in Papua
RNZ 20260703
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/657653/indonesia-defends-high-number-of-military-in-papua
US Proud to Invest $30M in Starlink Connectivity for PNG
Post Courier (PNG) 20260703
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/u-s-proud-to-invest-30m-in-starlink-connectivity-for-png/
U.S. EMBASSY LAUNCHES STARLINK SERVICE AT AMERICAN CORNER
PNG Haus Bung 20260703
https://pnghausbung.com/u-s-embassy-launches-starlink-service-at-american-corner/
Project Operating Committee for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship Confirms Progress of Scholars
Solomon Star 20260703
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/project-operating-committee-for-the-project-for-human-resource-development-scholarship-confirms-progress-of-scholars/
RINGANG ATTENDS JICA KCCP TRAINING
Island Times 20260703
https://islandtimes.org/ringang-attends-jica-kccp-training/
Taiwan + SCS
Inside Taiwan’s nightmare scenario: Chinese blockade, earthquake, sabotage and invasion
Reuters 20260703
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/inside-taiwans-nightmare-scenario-chinese-blockade-earthquake-sabotage-invasion-2026-07-03/
Australia raises concerns as China strengthens control over maritime traffic east of Taiwan
ABC 20260703
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-03/australia-concerns-about-china-action-east-of-taiwan/106877030
Taiwan tracks 30 Chinese military aircraft, 12 ships
Taiwan News 20260703
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6394490
Capabilities
Nuclear Weapons and the Future of American Power
Carnegie 20260702
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2026/07/nuclear-weapons-and-the-future-of-american-power
Will China’s Fujian be first carrier to carry anti-torpedo system to beat Western subs?
SCMP 202606703
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3359331/will-chinas-fujian-be-first-carrier-carry-anti-torpedo-system-beat-western-subs