Pacific Winds 20260705
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Australia Tried to Push Back on China. China Pushed Harder.
NYTimes 20260704
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/world/asia/australia-china-politics.html
China Continues to Step up Pressure on Japan, Expanding Export Restrictions, Other Measures
Yomiuri 202600704
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20260705-336535/
Japan, other middle powers should ‘fill the vacuum’ left by US: Kevin Rudd
Nikkei 20260704
https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/interview/japan-other-middle-powers-should-fill-the-vacuum-left-by-us-kevin-rudd
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Pentagon seeks a single brain for Guam’s scattered defenses
Defence Blog 20260703
https://defence-blog.com/pentagon-seeks-a-single-brain-for-guams-scattered-defenses/
Island Waves
Albanese to strengthen Fiji ties during Pacific visit
Fiji Times 20260704
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/albanese-to-strengthen-fiji-ties-during-pacific-visit/
Australia builds on ‘momentum’ with fresh Pacific deal
AAP 20260704
https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/australia-builds-on-momentum-with-fresh-pacific-deal
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shores up Pacific ties as Beijing eyes region
7 News (AU) 20260704
https://7news.com.au/news/the-issue-podcast-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-shores-up-pacific-ties-as-beijing-eyes-region-c-22530941
Hypocrisy on display as US envoy eyes Cook Islands seabed minerals while smearing China ties
GT 20260704
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365112.shtml
Australia boosts Fiji’s skills training
FBCN 20260704
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/australia-boosts-fijis-skills-training/
Taiwan + SCS
Xi’s purge pushes back the Taiwan timetable
EAF 20260704
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/07/04/xis-purge-pushes-back-the-taiwan-timetable/
Can Taiwan fix its military manpower shortage by training reservists in advanced weapons?
SCMP 20260704
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3359352/can-taiwan-fix-its-military-manpower-shortage-training-reservists-advanced-weapons
China Coast Guard continues law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan Island
Xinhua 20260704
https://english.news.cn/20260704/4f11498b849f473f80c7888f629289ee/c.html
China claims Japan-Philippines talks over area east of Taiwan break international law
Taiwan News 20260704
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6395055
What do routine law enforcement patrols in the waters east of China's Taiwan Island signify?
GT 20260704
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365117.shtml
China launches coast guard patrol east of Taiwan despite international pushback
Reuters 20260704
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-launches-coast-guard-patrol-east-taiwan-despite-international-pushback-2026-07-04/
Beijing sends new coastguard force into waters east of Taiwan
SCMP 20260704
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3359426/beijing-sends-new-coastguard-force-waters-east-taiwan
China Coast Guard conducts routine patrols east of China’s Taiwan Island; regularized law-enforcement operation necessary to defend rights, restore order: expert
GT 20260704
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365102.shtml
Taiwan slams record number of Chinese vessels along first island chain
Taiwan News 20260704
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6395133
Taiwan tracks 17 Chinese ships, 8 military aircraft
Taiwan News 20260704
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6394977
How Has the World Changed Since the 2016 South China Sea Ruling?
The Diplomat 20260702
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/how-has-the-world-changed-since-the-2016-south-china-sea-ruling/
Capabilities
Defense Ministry Releases 1st-ever Video of Chinese Aircraft Carrier; Footage Includes Jets, Other Ships
Yomiuri 20260704
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/world/asia-pacific/20260704-336477/
China’s satellite engine smashes record, leaves US rival far behind
SCMP 20260704
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3359363/chinas-satellite-engine-smashes-record-leaves-us-rival-far-behind
GAO flags satellite costs, launch risks in Space Force portfolio
Space News 20260704
https://spacenews.com/gao-flags-satellite-costs-launch-risks-in-space-force-portfolio/