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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.
Be Honest About the B-21: When Strategic Bombing Works and When It Doesn't
By Robert Farley
Supporting the B-21 Raider means looking back critically at previous strategic bombing failures.
A Chinese Spy Ship May Have Observed a THAAD Intercept Test, But That's Just Fine
By Ankit Panda
The United States is making little of the fact that a Chinese surveillance vessel watched a THAAD intercept test. That's no surprise.
Will the Doklam Standoff Lead to a Second India-China War?
By Rajeesh Kumar
Both India and China have every incentive not to go to war.
Amid China-India Border Standoff: China Holds Military Exercise in Tibet
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The People’s Liberation Army military drill was purportedly intended as a clear warning to India.
Why Did Indonesia Just Rename Its Part of the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Jakarta is willing to take new moves to signal even more clearly its long-held legal positions.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force: Chinese Intercepts Down 50, Russia Up 60 Percent
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Following a record high in 2016, the number of Chinese military aircraft approaching Japanese airspace was almost cut in half from April to June 2017.
Chinese Defense Ministry to Japan: 'Get Used To' PLAAF Operations Through the Miyako Strait
By Ankit Panda
China wants Japan to get used to seeing its military vessels and aircraft transit the Miyako Strait.
North Korea's ICBM Celebration Concert Reveals Never-Before-Seen Missile Imagery
By Ankit Panda
A North Korean concert reveals a treasure trove of historical imagery related to the country's missile programs.
China Flies 6 Heavy Long-Range Bombers Near Japan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China flew six H-6K bombers through the Miyako Strait. Japan scrambled its fighter jets in response.
North Korea: For Now Change Behavior, Not Regime
By Amitai Etzioni
It’s time to think outside the box on North Korea.
China’s Aircraft Carrier Enters Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone
By Franz-Stefan Gady
It was the fourth time that the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s sole carrier sailed near Taiwan.
Islamic State Comes to Balochistan
By Ayaz Ahmed
The terrorist group is increasingly present in Pakistan's southern province.