Pacific Winds 20260713
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
The Trump effect on Japan–South Korea relations
EAF 20260712
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/07/12/the-trump-effect-on-japan-south-korea-relations/
With AI, we have returned to a world of two competing superpowers
ABC (AU) 20260713
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-13/ai-china-america-duelling-superpowers/106907068
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Guam presses UN on deep sea mining, militarization in region
GDP 20260712
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/guam-presses-un-on-deep-sea-mining-militarization-in-region/article_57ef313b-85e2-4261-9fb5-eef095f3fc59.html
Island Waves
Albanese government won’t rule out timing link between China missile test and Fiji defence deal
Sky (AU) 20260712
https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/albanese-government-wont-rule-out-timing-link-between-china-missile-test-and-fiji-defence-deal/news-story/695428ac3baf0452174d6e32606e7eb8
Invisible string that Australia attached to PNG’s rugby league team
ABC (AU) 20260712
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-12/png-rugby-league-diplomacy-in-pacific/106902162
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan military gains 5,000 volunteers, but ‘real problem’ is retention
SCMP 20260712
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3360122/taiwan-military-gains-5000-volunteers-real-problem-retention
Chinese maritime coercion of Japan and Philippines seeks to deter Taiwan
Taiwan News 20260712
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6399608
Beijing pushes island bid using drills and lawfare
Taipei Times 20260713
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/07/13/2003860660
Taiwan tracks 5 Chinese ships around country
Taiwan News 20260712
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6399551
Manila’s Push for a New Rulebook in the South China Sea Peters Out
ICG 20260710
https://www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/asia-pacific/south-china-sea-philippines-china/manilas-push-new-rulebook-south-china-sea-peters-out
14 nations reaffirm South China Sea ruling against China
Nikkei 20260712
https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/south-china-sea/14-nations-reaffirm-south-china-sea-ruling-against-china
Japan and others mark 10 years since South China Sea arbitration
Japan Times 20260712
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/12/japan/history/china-sea-arbitration-joint-statement/
South China Sea joint statement says China’s maritime claims have no basis
Reuters 20260712
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/south-china-sea-joint-statement-says-chinas-maritime-claims-have-no-basis-2026-07-12/
Joint Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of the Philippines-China South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award
US DoS 20260711
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/07/joint-statement-on-the-tenth-anniversary-of-the-philippines-china-south-china-sea-arbitral-tribunal-award/
Beijing hits out as US-led coalition marks 10th anniversary of South China Sea ruling
SCMP 20260712
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3360275/beijing-renews-attacks-landmark-south-china-sea-tribunal-rulings-10th-anniversary
Poisoned legacy of South China Sea arbitration award undermining regional peace, stability
Xinhua 20260712
https://english.news.cn/20260712/404bfd80b4734ed58775be2a7df9427a/c.html
Ten years on, it is time for the Philippines to move beyond the “South China Sea arbitration myth”
GT 20260712
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365720.shtml
Who does the 14-country statement intend to intimidate? The Chinese people neither believe in fallacy nor fear evil forces
GT 20260712
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365765.shtml
China rejects joint hype over South China Sea Arbitral Award 10 years after, urges relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble
GT 20260712
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365735.shtml
Capabilities
China’s missile test is a reminder Asia is entering a new military era
AFR 20260712
https://www.afr.com/world/asia/china-s-missile-test-is-a-reminder-asia-is-entering-a-new-military-era-20260709-p60dy8
What does China’s J-16 fighter jet in ‘beast mode’ mean for PLA Air Force patrols?
SCMP 20260712
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3360170/what-does-chinas-j-16-fighter-jet-beast-mode-mean-pla-air-force-patrols
Exercises
Chinese, Russian submarines seen together for first time in drill, signaling breakthrough in underwater coordination, high-level mutual trust: expert
GT 20260712
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1365707.shtml