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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.
US Navy’s Supercarrier Participates in Joint Australia-US Military Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy’s only forward deployed carrier in the Asia Pacific region is participating in exercise Talisman Saber 2017.
Why Is Russia Denying That North Korea Launched an ICBM?
By Ankit Panda
North Korea definitely tested an ICBM on July 4, 2017, so why is Russia denying it did?
Securing US Bases in the Pacific: A New Era of Instability?
By Robert Farley
The United States and China may be entering a new era of instability in the Pacific.
US B-1B Bombers Fly Over South China Sea, Drawing Chinese Protest
By Ankit Panda
China accused the United States of flaunting its military force over the South China Sea following the flights.
Pakistan Tests Its Nasr Short-Range Ballistic Missile System, Improving Range
By Ankit Panda
Pakistan extends the Nasr's range by 10 kilometers. Is that meaningful?
India-Japan-US Malabar 2017 Naval Exercises Kick Off With Anti-Submarine Warfare in Focus
By Ankit Panda
This exercise is the first to involve a carrier from each of the navies.
China’s Aircraft Carrier Makes First Port Call in Hong Kong
By Franz-Stefan Gady
This marks the first time China’s largest warship has visited the former British colony.
North Korea's ICBM: A New Missile and a New Era
By Ankit Panda and Vipin Narang
North Korea didn’t just acquire an ICBM out of nowhere.
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Sails Taiwan Strait Again
By Steven Stashwick
Liaoning’s latest transit demonstrates more normalized operations in the sensitive strait.
Russia and China Have a Common Line on Resolving the North Korean Problem
By Ankit Panda
The "dual freeze" proposal gets a joint China-Russia endorsement.
US, ROK Conduct Precision-Strike Drill in Response to North Korean ICBM Launch
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Army and Republic of Korea military personnel test fired missiles in response to North Korea’s most recent ICBM test.
North Korea Announces That It Has Successfully Tested Its First-Ever ICBM
By Ankit Panda
North Korea reaches a major milestone in its ballistic missile development.