Blog
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.
2 US Warships Transit Taiwan Strait
By Steven Stashwick
Passage by a cruiser and destroyer follows similar transit in July.
What the Trump Administration's Consideration of a Plan to Ban Chinese Students Says About US-China Competition
By Robert Farley
The proposal suggests how seriously the administration is thinking about confrontation and competition with China.
Global Strategic Trends: Imagining East Asia in 2050
By Li Jie Sheng
A new report from the U.K. predicts trends and flashpoints that will shape East Asia over the next 30-plus years.
US Withdrawal From the INF Treaty: Considerations in East Asia
By Robert Farley
Does withdrawing from the INF Treaty bring the United States advantages in Asia?
US Announces Suspension of Vigilant Ace 2018 Exercise With South Korea
By Ankit Panda
The suspension comes in anticipation of a second U.S.-North Korea summit meeting.
Koreas, United Nations Command Hold Trilateral Military Talks
By Ankit Panda
The three sides are seeing through implementation of a September inter-Korean military agreement.
India, Japan Mull Allowing Their Armed Forces to Use Each Other’s Military Bases
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Indian and Japanese prime ministers will discuss a military base sharing agreement during their summit later this month.
Pakistan, Russia to Hold Joint Military Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The military exercise, involving 200 Pakistani and Russian troops, will be held from October 21 to November 4 in Pakistan.
From a Slow Simmer to a Boil: Managing Tensions in a Heating South China Sea
By Tuan Anh Luc
Tensions are rising in the South China Sea.
China Deploys Diesel-Electric Attack Submarine and Rescue Vessel in Indian Ocean
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China has deployed an attack submarine in the Indian Ocean this month, according to Indian Ministry of Defense sources.
Asia and the ICC: 20 Years Later
By Kiran Mohandas Menon
The Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court turns 20 this year. How has Asia engaged (or not) with the ICC?
The Risks of Kim's Diplomatic Double Game
By Magnus Lundström
Increased tensions in the South China Sea heightens the risks of Kim Jong Un’s diplomatic double game.