Good morning and happy Sunday,

This is Pacific Weekly, a special edition of The Intel Brief intended to keep you updated on events across the hotly contested Indo-Pacific region.

Reporting Period: 16-22 September

Bottom Line Up Front:

PLA Navy Liaoning Carrier Strike Group Deployed To The Philippine Sea

On 18 September, the Liaoning carrier strike group (CSG) deployed to the Philippine Sea for the first time since it was refurbished in March. The CSG transited between Yonaguni and Iriomote Islands to enter the Philippine Sea, the first time a PLA Navy aircraft carrier has done so. The six ship CSG navigated through Japan’s contiguous zone, which Japanese officials called a “serious concern.”

Why This Matters

The CSG’s route indicates the continuation of new provocation policies against Japan. In recent weeks, naval incursions into Japanese waters have persisted. Additionally, a PLA Air Force drone violated Japanese airspace, the first time in history.

Another concern is the CSG’s presence in the Philippine Sea, as China has been extremely provocative to Filipino vessels in the region.

Want To Read More?

• Coverage by USNI News

• Coverage by Reuters

US Refurbishing Tinian Airfield For Future Fight

Satellite imagery has revealed early progress on the refurbishment of airfields on the small island of Tinian in the Marianas Islands. The refurbishment is a part of the Pentagon’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative and includes three projects to enhance airfield operations on Tinian.

The goal is to deter China, or beat it in a fight, by keeping aircraft at a safe but operational distance from Beijing.

Why This Matters

The Tinian airfields were integral to America’s victory over the Japanese during World War II. The bombers that dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki took off from Tinian airfields, effectively ending the war.

The hope is that Tinian - and locations in Guam - can be use for refueling, takeoff, and landing in support of operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Want To Read More?

• Coverage by Newsweek

North Korea Fired Multiple Ballistic Missiles This Week

On 18 September, North Korea launched multiple short-ranged ballistic missiles. The launches come after North Korea touted its new uranium enrichment facility which they are using to develop nuclear weapons.

South Korea said multiple missiles were fired from a facility in Kaechon and travelled 249 miles before landing in the ocean. Thirty minutes after South Korea’s notice, Japan’s coast guard stated another missile was launched. North Korea also launched a series of balloons carrying trash into South Korea.

Why This Matters

The missile launches are severe provocations by North Korea, and they indicate an intent for Pyongyang to continue growing its nuclear arsenal. Additionally, the launches pose a high risk due to the frequency of failed launches and crashes.

One of the missiles had reportedly fallen inland in North Korea. Oftentimes the missiles fly over South Korea or Japan, and could theoretically land on civilian sites.

Finally, it is believed the missiles used in the launch are the same type being supplied to Russia. This indicates North Korea is expanding production and testing of these missiles for Russia’s benefit in Ukraine.

Want To Read More?

• Coverage by Reuters

Chinese And Russian Coast Guards To Conduct Joint Patrols

On 21 September, the Chinese state media outlet Global Times reported that the Chinese Coast Guard is joining the Russian Coast Guard to form a task force for patrolling the northern Pacific.

The patrols are allegedly sanction under UN General Assembly resolutions, and will be the first of its kind.

Why This Matters

The patrols show how China and Russia can manipulate international law to enhance their prestige abroad and justify military actions. China also uses international law as justification for aggressive military actions, citing intentions to maintain “maritime order” and advance “ocean governance.”

Want To Read More?

• Announcement by Global Times

China To Sanction US Companies Who Sell Arms To Taiwan

On 19 September, the Chinese state media outlet Global Times announced the the CCP is sanctioning American companies that sell weapons to Taiwan. Global Times claims arms sales to Taiwan are in violation of the “one-China principle and China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry is sanctioning nine US companies along with various individuals. These people and organizations will be prohibited from conducting transactions and cooperation with China.

Why This Matters

The Chinese-issued sanctions indicate a further breakdown in Sino-US relations. The Cross-Strait issue remains one of the critical dividers between US and Chinese cooperation. Recent efforts at diplomacy by Antony Blinken and the US National Security Advisor seem to have been ineffective.

The Chinese sanctions come just after the US Congress passed more than 25 bills aimed at mitigating Chinese malign influence on the United States.

Want To Read More?

• Coverage by Global Times

End Brief

That concludes this edition of Pacific Weekly. Consider this newsletter as a sort of audit of the situation in the Pacific. If the day comes that we are at war, it is important to know that it did not happen suddenly.

Enjoy the remainder of your Sunday,

Nick