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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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What Does the Syrian War Mean for Afghanistan?

What Does the Syrian War Mean for Afghanistan?

By Ahmad Bilal Khalil
The impact on U.S.-Russia ties will be a blow for the Afghan government, as will the return of Afghan fighters from Syria.
Will HMS Ocean Find a Buyer in Asia?

Will HMS Ocean Find a Buyer in Asia?

By Robert Farley
Could HMS Ocean find its next steward in the Asia-Pacific?

The Trump Administration Needs to Clarify a Strategy in Afghanistan (And It's Not a Bigger Bomb)

The Trump Administration Needs to Clarify a Strategy in Afghanistan (And It's Not a Bigger Bomb)

By Ankit Panda
The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bumped Afghanistan back into the U.S. news cycle, but what's next?

Can the US Be Reassured by China’s Quiet Compliance With Court Ruling at Scarborough Shoal?

Can the US Be Reassured by China’s Quiet Compliance With Court Ruling at Scarborough Shoal?

By Steven Stashwick
Filipino Fishermen are now ‘canaries in the coal mine’ at contested shoal.

Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Head off Strategic Russian Bombers

Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Head off Strategic Russian Bombers

By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan’s Ministry of Defense intercepted three Russian aircraft close to Japanese airspace on April 12.
An Alleged Spy Sentenced to Death Rocks India-Pakistan Relations

An Alleged Spy Sentenced to Death Rocks India-Pakistan Relations

By Ankit Panda
Kulbhushan Jadhav's sentencing by a Pakistani military court brings India-Pakistan ties to the brink.

MacArthur, Corregidor, and the Battle for the Philippines

MacArthur, Corregidor, and the Battle for the Philippines

By Francis P. Sempa
MacArthur's famous return to the Philippines hinged on retaking "the Rock."
Japanese Warships to Join US Carrier Strike Group Off Korean Peninsula

Japanese Warships to Join US Carrier Strike Group Off Korean Peninsula

By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan is preparing to send several warships to waters off the Korean peninsula.

US Dispatches Carrier Strike Group to Korean Peninsula

US Dispatches Carrier Strike Group to Korean Peninsula

By Franz-Stefan Gady
In a show of force by the Trump administration, several U.S. warships will be heading to the Korean Peninsula.

Will Chinese Dominance of the South China Sea Necessarily Lead to Shipping Disruption?

Will Chinese Dominance of the South China Sea Necessarily Lead to Shipping Disruption?

By Robert Farley
Why commentators may be overstating the risk to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

What Do Asian Governments Think About the US Strike on Syria?

What Do Asian Governments Think About the US Strike on Syria?

By Catherine Putz
A look at what China, Indonesia, Australia, and other Asian states had to say about the strike.
South Korea Test Fires New Ballistic Missile

South Korea Test Fires New Ballistic Missile

By Franz-Stefan Gady
The new 800-kilometer missile can purportedly hit targets anywhere in North Korea.

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