Pacific Winds 20260731
A daily collection of news affecting the Asia-Pacific region
Alliances
How Trump’s call for Asia-Pacific allies to raise defence spending may backfire on US
SCMP 20260730
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3362301/how-trumps-call-asia-pacific-allies-raise-defence-spending-may-backfire-us
‘Quite disappointed’? Trump’s mixed signals ahead of Xi’s September trip
SCMP 20260730
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3362329/surprising-disappointed-trump-has-warning-xi-ahead-september-trip
China Moves to Lock in a New Edge on Taiwan Before the Next Trump-Xi Summit
The Diplomat 20260729
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/china-moves-to-lock-in-a-new-edge-on-taiwan-before-the-next-trump-xi-summit/
Not seeking conflict with China requires the US to truly curb 'Taiwan independence' first
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367215.shtml
Australia and Japan are stewards of a wavering order
ASPI 20260730
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia-and-japan-are-stewards-of-a-wavering-order/
Why South Korea must abandon its unification policy
EAF 20260730
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/07/30/why-south-korea-must-abandon-its-unification-policy/
Australia’s Pacific diplomacy has lessons – and limits – for South Korea
Lowy 20260730
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-s-pacific-diplomacy-has-lessons-and-limits-for-south-korea
S. Korea in talks with U.S. military over air base access following white phosphorus leak: sources
Yonhap 20260730
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260730007900315
U.S. military drone flies over inter-Korean border area, prompts civilian evacuation
Yonhap 20260730
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260730009652315
China’s Position on the Emerging Russia–North Korea Military Cooperation and Its Implications for the U.S.-ROK Alliance
RAND 20260730
https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RRA5000/RRA5044-1/RAND_RRA5044-1.pdf
The Minister of Foreign Affairs says he stands by Winston Peters’ statements (aka his own)
Stuff (NZ) 20260730
https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361013356/chinas-ambassador-not-impressed-winston-peters-insulting-chinese-kiwi-mp
New Zealand FM's 'go back' racist remark exposes cracks in country's democratic image
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367209.shtml
China voices ‘serious concern’ over new US curbs in senior trade talks
SCMP 20260731
https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3362440/china-voices-serious-concern-over-new-us-curbs-senior-trade-talks
Chinese vice premier holds candid, in-depth, constructive exchange in video call with US treasury secretary, raises concerns over recent trade curbs against China
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367222.shtml
China Threatens Retaliation as U.S. Moves to Block Robot Imports
NYTimes 20260730
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/business/china-robots-ban-fcc.html
China warns of retaliation if US sticks with robot ban
Reuters 20260730
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-warns-retaliation-if-us-sticks-with-robot-ban-2026-07-30/
China will take resolute countermeasures if US insists on robot, inverter bans: MOFCOM
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367148.shtml
Micronesia-Marianas (2nd Island Chain+)
The Pacific nation caught between two superpowers
SBS 20260731
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/pacific-nation-palau-matters-in-us-china-rivalry/cwdxlltfz
Buildup lags despite billions in funding
GDP 20260730
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/buildup-lags-despite-billions-in-funding/article_d7bb7316-0fb2-40e8-abd3-c4dc4ba33f4b.html
Billion dollar ‘tip of the spear’: Forum draws hundreds to talk military buildup
PDN 20260730
https://www.guampdn.com/news/billion-dollar-tip-of-the-spear-forum-draws-hundreds-to-talk-military-buildup/article_35984da2-2678-4d84-8475-fc41a5304643.html
DZSP 21 LLC awarded a $138M cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded BOS contract
US DoD 20260729
https://www.war.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4559059/contracts-for-july-29-2026/
Island Waves
U.S rejects sovereignty fears over Solomons Shiprider deal
PINA 20260730
https://pina.com.fj/2026/07/30/u-s-rejects-sovereignty-fears-over-solomons-shiprider-deal/
Govt: US Shiprider Agreement Will be Made Public
IDS 20260730
https://indepthsolomons.com.sb/govt-us-shiprider-agreement-will-be-made-public/
Signing of the Shiprider Agreement to be Clarified
Solomon Star 20260730
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/%f0%9d%97%a6%f0%9d%97%b6%f0%9d%97%b4%f0%9d%97%bb%f0%9d%97%b6%f0%9d%97%bb%f0%9d%97%b4-%f0%9d%97%bc%f0%9d%97%b3-%f0%9d%98%81%f0%9d%97%b5%f0%9d%97%b2-%f0%9d%97%a6i-%f0%9d%97%a8s-%f0%9d%97%a6/
Independent Group urges Government to table the Ship Rider Agreement for parliamentary scrutiny and sovereignty review
Tavuli 20260730
https://www.tavulinews.com.sb/independent-group-calls-ship-rider-agreement-parliamentary-scrutiny/
Australia Helps Keep Mission Aviation in the Air
Post Courier (PNG) 20260731
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australia-helps-keep-mission-aviation-in-the-air/
Australia and PNG Delivering Practical Outcomes in Western Highlands Province
Post Courier (PNG) 20260731
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australia-and-png-delivering-practical-outcomes-in-western-highlands-province/
𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐏𝟐 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
Solomon Star 20260730
https://www.solomonstarnews.com/%f0%9d%90%92%f0%9d%90%88%f0%9d%90%91%f0%9d%90%80%f0%9d%90%8f%f0%9d%9f%90-%f0%9d%90%80%f0%9d%90%af%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%ad%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a8%f0%9d%90%a7-%f0%9d%90%88%f0%9d%90%a7/
Taiwan + SCS
Taiwan’s path to victory is unclear
Asia Times 20260730
https://asiatimes.com/2026/07/taiwans-path-to-victory-is-unclear/
Statecraft at the Crossroads of the Indo-Pacific: Economic, Legal, and Traditional Security for Taiwan and Regional Partners
NBAR 20260729
https://www.nbr.org/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/publications/asiapolicy21-3_statecraft_rt_july2026.pdf
US representatives visit Taiwan to meet with president and other officials
Taipei Times 20260731
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/07/31/2003861697
Lai reaffirms peace through strength to counter China
Taiwan News 20260730
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6411315
PLA ready for combat at all times, to resolutely thwart ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist attempts: MND on island buildings replicas for training report
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367214.shtml
Mainland criticizes DPP ‘all-out defense’ campaign in Taiwan
China Military 20260731
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/2025xb/H_251454/L_251456/16476849.html
Will “hornet’s nest” strategy really make Taiwan Strait safer, serve U.S. interests?
Xinhua 20260730
https://english.news.cn/20260730/30285adf26584cb39d605857fb858e8e/c.html
Taiwan tracks 12 Chinese military aircraft, 8 ships
Taiwan News 20260730
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6411171
Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea
CFR 20260729
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/territorial-disputes-south-china-sea
China accuses Philippines of ‘flagrantly infringing’ on sovereignty in seabed claim
SCMP 20260730
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3362407/china-accuses-manila-flagrantly-infringing-sovereignty-un-seabed-claim
PLA, CCG conduct patrols around Huangyan Dao, warn Philippine aircraft and vessels with Type 054B frigate, JL-10 jets
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367225.shtml
China's military will resolutely counter any infringement and provocation over Huangyan Dao: defense ministry
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367173.shtml
Capabilities
Japan Has Officially Joined The Tomahawk Cruise Missile Club
TWZ 20260730
https://www.twz.com/sea/japan-has-officially-joined-the-tomahawk-cruise-missile-club
Chinese Destroyer’s Encounter With U.S. Drone Boat Highlights Future Rules Of Engagement Issues
TWZ 20260730
https://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-destroyers-encounter-with-u-s-drone-boat-highlights-future-rules-of-engagement-issues
Iran war depleted US Patriot missile stockpiles, creating readiness challenges, experts say
Defense News 20260730
https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-military/2026/07/30/iran-war-depleted-us-patriot-missile-stockpiles-creating-readiness-challenges-experts-say/
It could take the US military 3 years to restock its missile defenses
Task & Purpose 20260730
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/iran-missile-interceptors-replenish/
House seeks report on Pentagon arms shortages
WashTimes 20260730
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/30/house-seeks-report-pentagon-arms-shortages/
US strikes $58.6 billion Patriot missile deal amid rising stockpile concerns
Defense News 20260730
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/07/30/us-strikes-586-billion-patriot-missile-deal-amid-rising-stockpile-concerns/
US Navy Awards Historic $76.6B Contract for 9 Block VI Virginia SSNs and 5 Columbia SSBNs
Naval News 20260730
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/07/us-navy-awards-historic-76-6b-contract-for-9-block-vi-virginia-ssns-and-5-columbia-ssbns/
Experts See Urgent Need to Defend Bases from Drone Attack. Here’s What USAF Is Doing
Air & Space 20260729
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-experts-strategies-defend-bases-drone-attack/
Why Did China Test a Submarine-launched Ballistic Missile?
The Diplomat 20260730
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/why-did-china-test-a-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile/
China says Japan’s nuclear ambition is “red line that should never be crossed”
Xinhua 20260730
https://english.news.cn/20260730/19f2917a526b4bec810d28edfbc71e0e/c.html
Japan to establish a new 'Special Higher Police' on July 31 - its intentions are despicable
GT 20260730
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202607/1367126.shtml
The ‘Poisonous Heart’: Australia’s Most Secretive Base Draws New Scrutiny
The Diplomat 20260728
https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/the-poisonous-heart-australias-most-secretive-base-draws-new-scrutiny/
Space Force Eyes ‘Usable’ Airborne Target Tracking by ’28, More Capability to Follow
Air & Space 20260730
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-usable-airborne-target-tracking-2028-more-to-follow/
Space Force to Launch 18 Comms and Targeting Missions by End of 2027
Air & Space 20260729
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-force-to-launch-18-comms-targeting-missions-by-end-of-2027/
SpaceX wins $1.6B to launch Space Force ‘sensing and targeting’ sats
Breaking Defense 20260729
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/spacex-wins-1-6b-to-launch-space-force-sensing-and-targeting-sats/
China launches new communication technology test satellites
Xinhua 20260730
https://english.news.cn/20260730/655a79ce64a34cfcbd7e60aff17545cb/c.html