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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.
Japan Asks Russia to Reduce Militarization of Disputed Kuril Islands
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan wants Russia to scale down its military presence on the disputed island chain.
US Intelligence: North Korea Is Continuing to Produce ICBMs
By Ankit Panda
North Korean production of at least one Hwasong-15 ICBM has been detected by U.S. intelligence agencies.
Japan Intercepts Chinese Spy Plane in East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japan Air Self Defense Force scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Y-9JB surveillance aircraft on July 27.
ASEAN and China Set to Agree on Single Draft South China Sea Code of Conduct
By Carl Thayer
What is the significance of the agreement between ASEAN members and China on a Single Draft COC Negotiating Text?
Imperial Japan's Naval Contributions to the First World War
By Robert Farley
What drove the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War I?
'Multi-Domain' Demonstration at RIMPAC: Target Ship Struck from Sea, Air, and Land
By Steven Stashwick
The United States and Japan launch land-based missiles and rockets in Sinking Exercise.
Trade Wars Are Not Good for the US Military Advantage
By Robert Farley
What will the long-term costs of the Trump administration's trade war be on the U.S. military's technological superiority?
US Intelligence: North Korean Engine Dismantlement at Sohae Reversible ‘Within Months’
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's dismantlement of a missile engine test stand has begun, but is easily reversible, U.S. intelligence finds.
What History Can Teach Us About the Current US-China Trade War
By Jin Kai
This is not the first time the U.S. has worried about a rising economic competitor.
Making Sense of North Korea's New Dismantlement Activity at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station
By Ankit Panda
What can be said about North Korea following through with a seeming concession out of the Singapore summit?
India, Japan to Hold First-Ever Military Exercises Involving Ground Troops
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japanese defense minister is reportedly arranging a visit to India in August to discuss expanding military exercises between the two countries.
India’s Air Force to Participate in Australia’s ‘Pitch Black’ Air Combat Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Indian Air Force will for the first time participate in the Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial ‘Pitch Black’ air combat drill.