Pacific Winds 20260721
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
Rubio Says Xi Still Set to Visit US After Trump Speech
Bloomberg 20260720
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-20/rubio-says-china-s-xi-still-set-to-visit-us-after-trump-speech
The United States and China Are Leaving a Dangerous Vacuum in Global Leadership
China Wire 20260719
https://www.thewirechina.com/2026/07/19/the-united-states-and-china-are-leaving-a-dangerous-vacuum-in-global-leadership/
US seeks to link regional allies to deter China, academic says
Taipei TImes 20260721
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/07/21/2003861110
Japan to pay heavy price for wrong judgments on nuclear issues
Xinhua 20260720
https://english.news.cn/20260720/eef93e5e06a74cc8b37a9d7c41addac0/c.html
China’s heavy rare earth tap stays closed for Japan in June
Reuters 20260720
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-heavy-rare-earth-tap-stays-closed-japan-june-2026-07-20/
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
Marine Corps test-fired missile interceptor on Guam during Valiant Shield exercise
PDN 20260720
https://www.guampdn.com/news/marine-corps-test-fired-missile-interceptor-on-guam-during-valiant-shield-exercise/article_f831ec4e-b5ab-4db1-9861-f2b82994c826.html
Buildup embodies the future of our island
PDN 20260720
https://www.guampdn.com/news/opinion-lotz-buildup-embodies-the-future-of-our-island/article_1b6512e2-eb77-4a86-a0e7-2b4918219433.html
Island Waves
PM Matthew Wale Arrives in Washington, D.C. for Bilateral Meetings
Tavuli 20260720
https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/matthew-wale-washington-dc-bilateral-meetings-united-states/
Pacific voices condemn US plan for offshore mineral extraction off American Samoa
RNZ 20260720
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/749226/pacific-voices-condemn-us-plan-for-offshore-mineral-extraction-off-american-samoa
Mini solar power project strengthens Solomon Islands–China partnership
Tavuli 20260720
https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/mecdm-completes-phase-1-mini-solar-power-project/
'It's a monetary transaction': East Sepik Governor says about Taiwan office closure
ABC (AU) 20260720
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/bird-taiwan/106934384
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan says Chinese vessel activity jumps, raising fears for Pacific supply routes
Reuters 20260720
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-says-chinese-vessel-activity-jumps-raising-fears-pacific-supply-routes-2026-07-20/
Lai Ching-te's high-decibel ‘anti-mainland’ rhetoric reflects failure of his governance
GT 20260720
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1366400.shtml
Taiwan tracks 9 Chinese ships, 2 military aircraft
Taiwan News 20260720
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6404130
AFP: China Coast Guard assaults Philippine Navy officer in Ayungin
Inquirer (PH) 20260720
https://www.inquirer.net/481346/afp-china-coast-guard-assaults-philippine-navy-officer-in-ayungin/
Philippine Sailor Injured in Violent Clash with China Coast Guard off Second Thomas Shoal
USNI 20260720
https://news.usni.org/2026/07/20/philippine-sailor-injured-in-violent-clash-with-china-coast-guard-off-second-thomas-shoal
Chinese and Philippine maritime forces clash at Second Thomas Shoal
SCMP 20260720
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3361250/chinese-and-philippine-maritime-forces-clash-second-thomas-shoal
Philippines provokes confrontation near Ren’ai Jiao, CCG deals with situation in corresponding countermeasures
GT 20260720
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1366404.shtml
A word to the Philippines: Every provocation will be met with resolute response
GT 20260720
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1366423.shtml
Footage obtained by the Global Times shows the Philippines’ provocation and staged filming near China’s Ren’ai Jiao
GT 20260720
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1366430.shtml
Why Chinese claims of sovereignty over the Batanes cannot be ignored
Lowy 20260720
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-chinese-claims-of-sovereignty-over-the-batan-islands-cannot-be-ignored
The South China Sea Is Where Indo Pacific Illusions Finally Break
GPM 20260720
https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-south-china-sea-is-where-indo-pacific-illusions-finally-break/
Capabilities
Outsourcing US deterrence: PIPIR and the Asian allies left exposed
Asia Times 20260720
https://asiatimes.com/2026/07/outsourcing-us-deterrence-pipir-and-the-asian-allies-left-exposed/
China Unveils Upgraded Y-9 Anti-Submarine Aircraft
Defense Post 20260720
https://thedefensepost.com/2026/07/20/china-y-9-aircraft/
Someone is showing a lot of underwater interest in Indonesia’s straits
ASPI 20260720
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/someone-is-showing-a-lot-of-underwater-interest-in-indonesias-straits/
US Air Force seeking air defense missile system to protect air bases
Defense News 20260720
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/07/20/us-air-force-seeking-air-defense-missile-system-to-protect-air-bases
Lockheed Martin launches cheaper Patriot missile as air defence demand surges
SCMP 20260720
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3361177/lockheed-martin-launches-cheaper-patriot-missile-air-defence-demand-surges
Japan plans uncrewed vessels to monitor Chinese ships
UPI 20260720
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/07/19/japan-china-Japan-Coast-Guard-uncrewed-surveillance-vessels/8891784504002/
China’s military mouthpiece issues full-page warning on Japan’s growing drone power
SCMP 20260720
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3361224/chinas-military-mouthpiece-issues-full-page-warning-japans-growing-drone-power
China’s mega-oiler could break America’s Pacific base edge
Asia Times 20260720
https://asiatimes.com/2026/07/chinas-mega-oiler-could-break-americas-pacific-base-edge/
York Confirms Health of 21 New Space Development Agency Satellites
Air & Space 20260720
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/york-confirms-health-21-sda-satellites/
Exercises
USN Fleet and Marine Tracker: July 20, 2026
USNI 20260720
https://news.usni.org/2026/07/20/usni-news-fleet-and-marine-tracker-july-20-2026