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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.

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Why Moon Jae-in Should Not Follow Willy Brandt’s Footsteps

Why Moon Jae-in Should Not Follow Willy Brandt’s Footsteps

By Khang Vu and Khang Vu
As Pyongyang seeks to create dissonance in the U.S.-South Korea alliance, Seoul and Washington must move in lockstep.
The Significance of China’s Second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

The Significance of China’s Second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

By Robert Farley
Even if the carrier begins trials by 2022, it will be some time before it becomes a useful military asset.

Japan Recovers Parts of Crashed F-35A‘s Flight Data Recorder

Japan Recovers Parts of Crashed F-35A‘s Flight Data Recorder

By Franz-Stefan Gady
Part of the flight data recorder was recovered “on or after May 3,” according to Japan’s defense minister.

Thanks, But No Thanks: China Pushes Back on Trilateral Strategic Nuclear Arms Control

Thanks, But No Thanks: China Pushes Back on Trilateral Strategic Nuclear Arms Control

By Ankit Panda
Despite Trump claiming otherwise, China isn’t interested in a trilateral arms control arrangement.

South China Sea: 2 US Navy Destroyers Conduct Freedom of Navigation Operation in Spratlys

South China Sea: 2 US Navy Destroyers Conduct Freedom of Navigation Operation in Spratlys

By Ankit Panda
The U.S. Navy's latest freedom of navigation operation challenged excessive Chinese claims in the Spratlys.
Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Intercept 2 Russian Military Aircraft

Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Intercept 2 Russian Military Aircraft

By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japanese fighters intercepted two Russian maritime patrol aircraft in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea on May 3.

North Korea Confirms First Ballistic Missile Launch in Nearly 18 Months

North Korea Confirms First Ballistic Missile Launch in Nearly 18 Months

By Ankit Panda
North Korea's missile testing returns.
What George Marshall Learned From His Time in China

What George Marshall Learned From His Time in China

By Robert Farley
Marshall couldn’t stop the Chinese Civil War, but what did he learn?

Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets 999 Times in 2018 in Response to Foreign Aircraft

Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets 999 Times in 2018 in Response to Foreign Aircraft

By Franz-Stefan Gady
981 out of 999 scrambles were conducted against Chinese and Russian military aircraft.

India, France Hold Large Naval Warfare Exercise Involving 2 Aircraft Carriers

India, France Hold Large Naval Warfare Exercise Involving 2 Aircraft Carriers

By Franz-Stefan Gady
This year’s iteration of the Varuna exercise will include an air combat drill with carrier-based Indian and French fighter jets.

Has Japan’s Crashed F-35A Stealth Fighter Been Found?

Has Japan’s Crashed F-35A Stealth Fighter Been Found?

By Franz-Stefan Gady
A U.S. general says the wreckage has been found; other U.S. military spokespeople deny that.
The US Navy’s Shifting View of China’s Coast Guard and ‘Maritime Militia’

The US Navy’s Shifting View of China’s Coast Guard and ‘Maritime Militia’

By Ankit Panda
The U.S. has told China that it’ll treat its coast guard and “maritime militia” as naval vessels, in effect.

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