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Flashpoints
Will China’s military rival the United States’ in the Pacific? Will Japan abandon the constitutional fetters on its own military? How will India respond to the String of Pearls strategy? The Diplomat has put together a team of leading analysts to offer must-read, regular commentary on the big defense and security issues in the Asia-Pacific.
The Risks of a ‘Total’ US-China Competition
By Robert Farley
Even China hawks need to make a careful appraisal of what sparks joy in the Sino-American relationship.
Largest Japanese Warship Joins US Supercarrier for Bilateral Deployment in South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The vessels conducted a range of bilateral drills.
South China Sea Collision Talk Threatens to Rock China-Philippines Relations
By Associated Press
The incident is just the latest flare up between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue.
US, Japan Aircraft Carriers Conduct Naval Exercise in South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. and Japanese carriers jointly participated in a number of naval drills to enhance interoperability between the two navies.
Days Before Singapore Summit Anniversary, Kim Jong Un Sends Trump a New Letter
By Ankit Panda
The letter is the first known contact from Kim to Trump directly since the Hanoi summit.
France as an Indo-Pacific Power: Making the Case
By Ankit Panda
Unlike other far-flung powers, France emphasizes its massive Indo-Pacific exclusive economic zone and constellation of territories.
South China Sea: Philippine Coast Guard Spots PLAN Warship Off Scarborough Shoal
By Ankit Panda
The warship was accompanied by China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels.
A Cold Arena? Greenland as a Focus of Arctic Competition
By Mingming Shi and Marc Lanteigne
Recent questions over the extent of China’s ambitions for Greenland deserve close scrutiny.
Japan’s Izumo-Class Carrier to Visit Vietnam This Month
By Franz-Stefan Gady
As part of its Indo-Pacific deployment this year, the JS Izumo is slated to make a port call in Vietnam.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force: Pilot Error Likely Cause of F-35A Crash
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan’s air force says that “spatial disorientation” likely caused the pilot to crash his F-35A into the Pacific Ocean on April 9.
China Patrol Ships Sustain Presence Near Senkaku Islands: Report
By Ankit Panda
A 57-day continuous presence is the longest since the Japanese government purchased the disputed islands.
Where Is Britain’s Indo-Pacific Strategy?
By Li Jie Sheng
The lack of a British Indo-Pacific policy paper has an impact on U.K. engagement.