Western Pacific
Coverage of Western Pacific in the Nexus archive.
- Japan and South Korea scramble fighters in response to Chinese-Russian bomber patrol
Japan and South Korea scrambled fighter jets in response to a joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol. The patrol covered the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and western Pacific, with China stating it demonstrated resolve to safeguard regional stability. This marks the 11th such patrol since 2019 and the first this year.
- China says it warned off multiple Japanese ‘provocations’ during aircraft carrier drills
China accused Japanese warplanes and ships of conducting 'provocations' and surveillance during the Liaoning aircraft carrier group's live-fire exercises in the western Pacific. State broadcaster CCTV released video showing 'close-range' encounters where the carrier group 'warned off' the Japanese military assets.
- El Niño Is Here and Will Have ‘Big Consequences’ for Global Weather
El Niño is forming in the Western Pacific, potentially causing strong storms in Southern California and the South while increasing wildfire risks in the West. The article features an interview with author Kevin Trenberth by Jenni Doering from Living on Earth.
- The robot wingmen the US hopes can outlast China’s missiles
The US Air Force is developing robotic wingmen to counter China's growing air capabilities in the western Pacific, prioritizing unmanned systems over manned jets. Contracts for engineering and manufacturing were awarded to advance this initiative.
- US munitions depleted by Iran war will take years to restore, analysis finds
The U.S. will need at least three years to restore munitions depleted during its 38-day Iran bombing campaign, with key systems like Tomahawk and THAAD interceptors requiring until 2030-2031 to replenish. The conflict cost $29 billion, and while the White House claims sufficient stockpiles, analysts warn of a 'window of vulnerability' for potential conflicts, particularly in the Western Pacific.
- China’s New Type 054B Frigate Joins Liaoning Carrier Group for First Time in Western Pacific
China's new Type 054B/Jiangkai III-class frigate was deployed with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific for the first time, as confirmed by Japan. This marks a significant step in China's integration of advanced naval assets into carrier strike operations.
- Powerful super typhoon takes aim at remote U.S. islands in Pacific
Super Typhoon Sinlaku's inner eyewall made landfall on U.S. island territories in the Western Pacific, including Guam. The storm poses significant threats to remote Pacific islands.
- Powerful super typhoon takes aim at remote U.S. islands in Pacific
The inner eyewall of Super Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall on remote U.S. island territories in the Western Pacific, including Guam. The storm poses significant threats to these isolated regions.
- Weather tracker: Super Typhoon Sinlaku threatens Mariana Islands
Super Typhoon Sinlaku is rapidly strengthening and threatening the Mariana Islands, including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with destructive winds, flooding, and dangerous seas. The storm originated in Micronesia's waters and is expected to impact the western Pacific region.