- The Intel Brief
- Posts
- Pacific Weekly (30 September - 6 October)
Pacific Weekly (30 September - 6 October)
Weekly update of activity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Nick
October 06, 2024
Pacific Weekly
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: 30 September - 6 October
Bottom Line Up Front:
1. A five-nation naval fleet conducted maneuvers in the South China Sea. The group conducted the Maritime Cooperative Activity as a joint statement against China.
2. President Biden approved more than $500 million in aid for Taiwan. The package includes funding for some weapons systems and training programs. The aid package was announced as the PRC celebrates 75 years of formation.
3. Japan have a new Prime Minister. Other Japanese ministers rejected his proposal for an “Asian NATO.” Japanese officials who rejected the idea suggested revisiting it at a later date.
4. North Korea said that they wouldn’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons against South Korea. The North said any future aggressions by the South would warrant a full military response, including nuclear strikes. The North has recently ramped up uranium enrichment.
🇺🇸 🇳🇿 🇦🇺 🇵🇭 🇯🇵
Five Nation Maritime Maneuvers In South China Sea
On 30 September, the US 7th Fleet Commander announced that on 28 September, a five nation fleet - made up of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States - had conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippine exclusion zone of the South China Sea.
Why This Matters
The MCA is a display of unified defiance in a strenuous time. China has persisted in its aggressions against Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. The 7th Fleet Commander also explained why the MCA is so important:
MCAs demonstrate the strength of relationships between partners and allies, and enhance cooperation, interoperability, and combined capabilities in the maritime domain, contributing to peace, stability, and upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific region.
Want To Read More?
Announcement by INDOPACOM
🇺🇸 🇹🇼 🇨🇳
Biden Approves Defense Aid For Taiwan As PRC Celebrates 75 Years
On 1 October, news reached the Taipei Times that President Biden has approved a $567 million defense assistance package for Taiwan. To deter China and prepare Taiwan for an invasion, the package will fund “training, stockpiles, anti-armor weapons, air defense and multi-domain awareness” systems.
It is reported that Biden is working on a third air package which he hopes to approve before leaving office in January 2025.
Why This Matters
Taiwan faces an increasingly assertive China that has promised to seize the island by force by 2027. The 75th birthday of Communist China (1 October 1949) was recently celebrated, and President Xi vowed to achieve “reunification” with Taiwan.
Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, is resoundingly anti-CCP and has committed Taiwan to resisting CCP military and subversion efforts aimed at reunification. It is likely that China’s course of action regarding unification will be through force.
Want To Read More?
Coverage by Taipei Times
PRC anniversary by CNN
🇯🇵 🇺🇸
Japanese Ministers Reject The New Prime Minister’s Proposed “Asian NATO”
On 2 October, various Japanese ministers said they are not working to establish an “Asian NATO,” stating the US also rejected PM Shigeru Ishiba’s proposal. Officials shrugged off the idea, saying it should be reconsidered at a later date.
The new Japanese Prime Minister had published an article last month with the Hudson Institute, stating that an Asian NATO, led by the US, would be necessary for deterring China.
Why This Matters
On 1 October, Ishiba was elected Prime Minster in snap elections following Fumio Kishida’s resignation. Ishiba has an opportunity to restore faith in government after Kishida’s government was riddled with scandals. Ishiba plans to do this by aggressively addressing security challenges in the shape of China and North Korea, as well as attempting to boost the economy.
Ishiba has already called for a stronger stance on security and “a more equal” Japan-US security partnership.
Want To Read More?
🇰🇷 🇰🇵
North Korea Threatens South Korea With Nuclear Strike
On 4 October, North Korean state media warned that the state would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if South Korea attacks or provokes Pyongyang. In a Central News Agency report, Kim Jong Un stated “If such [situation] comes, the permanent existence of Seoul and the Republic of Korea would be impossible.”
Why This Matters
North Korea’s threat following the South's showcasing of a their most powerful ballistic missile on Tuesday. A few weeks ago, Kim Jong Un was photographed at one of North Korea’s newer uranium enrichment facilities.
Relations between North and South remained fractured through 2024, but worsened when the North unveiled new nuclear production efforts and a mutual defense pact with Russia.
Want To Read More?
Coverage by CNN
End Brief
That concludes this edition of Pacific Weekly.
Thanks for reading. Be sure to catch tomorrow’s Monday morning brief - There are some important updates there.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Nick