Pacific Winds 20260719
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Trump Pursues a Deeper Bond With China’s Leader, Despite Hostile Speech
NYTimes 20260718
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/us/politics/trump-speech-china-xi.html
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Guam’s Logistics Capacity Must Be Increased
CIMSEC 20260717
https://cimsec.org/guams-logistics-capacity-must-be-increased/
Island Waves
Fiji reaffirms independent foreign policy towards China
FBCN 20260718
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-reaffirms-independent-foreign-policy-towards-china/
China pledges deeper military cooperation with Fiji
FBCN 20260718
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/china-pledges-deeper-military-cooperation-with-fiji/
China Steps in to ease Nende’s logistics challenges
SIBC 20260717
https://www.sibconline.com.sb/china-steps-in-to-ease-nendes-logistics-challenges/
Pacific must condemn all threats – PANG
Fiji Times 20260718
https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/pacific-must-condemn-all-threats-pang/
US says it is ‘deeply concerned’ by PNG closure of Taiwan office
Reuters 20260717
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-suppressing-taiwan-everywhere-vice-president-says-png-pressure-2026-07-17/
Taipei reassesses ties with PNG after office closure
Taipei Times 20260719
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/07/19/2003860988
Taiwan + SCS
Is Taiwan Pinning Its Strategy on an Outdated Vision of America?
The Diplomat 20260717
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/is-taiwan-pinning-its-strategy-on-an-outdated-vision-of-america/
Papua New Guinea Just Closed Taiwan’s Economic Office
The Diplomat 20260717
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/papua-new-guinea-just-closed-taiwans-economic-office/
Taiwan plans 27 maritime drones to strengthen Coast Guard
Taiwan News 20260718
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6403563
Taiwan tracks 12 Chinese ships
Taiwan News 20260718
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6403569
Capabilities
China’s anti-stealth shield has a radar reality gap
Asia Times 20260718
https://asiatimes.com/2026/07/chinas-anti-stealth-shield-has-a-radar-reality-gap/
Space Force triples launch contract ceiling amid rising demand
Space News 20260718
https://spacenews.com/space-force-triples-launch-contract-ceiling-amid-rising-demand/