Pacific Winds 20260720
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Japan should build stable, cooperative ties with China, resume dialogue
Kyodo 20260719
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/80213
US party heads to China to examine national security implications of trade relationship
SCMP 20260719
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3361092/us-party-heads-china-examine-national-security-implications-trade-relationship
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Guard lands C-130 in Palau in readiness drill
GDP 20260719
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/guard-lands-c-130-in-palau-in-readiness-drill/article_63ee5280-255b-4090-aa61-4f4a752afae1.html
Island Waves
A deal with Fiji is a start, but can Australia lead a united Pacific?
Canberra Times 20260720
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9311795/fiji-australia-forge-new-alliances-to-tackle-pacific-polycrisis/
Taiwan + SCS
Democratic Taiwan must not become ‘China’s Taiwan’, president says
Reuters 20260719
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/democratic-taiwan-must-not-become-chinas-taiwan-president-says-2026-07-19/
Taiwan tracks 12 Chinese ships, 10 military aircraft
Taiwan News 20260719
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6403797
Capabilities
Defense Minister Koizumi says Japan needs debate on nuclear weapons
Kyodo 20260719
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/80234
Japan ‘cannot avoid’ nuclear weapons debate, defense chief Koizumi says
Japan Times 20260719
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/19/japan/politics/koizumi-japan-nuclear-weapons-debate/
Japan's push for nuclear weapons discussion could 'erode restrictions, fuel dangerous trend carrying inflammatory effects': Chinese expert
GT 20260719
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1366295.shtml
Japan seeks stronger deterrence after China submarine missile launch
Nikkei 20260719
https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/defense/japan-seeks-stronger-deterrence-after-china-submarine-missile-launch
How China’s Navy Plans to Take On America in the Indo-Pacific
National Interest 20260719
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-chinas-navy-plans-take-on-america-indo-pacific-hk-071926
Progress Seen in Exporting Retired MSDF Destroyers; Japan Will Need to Provide Education, Training
Yomiuri 20260719
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20260719-339045/