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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.
What Defense Hardware Could the Philippines Even Buy From Russia or China?
By Robert Farley
What can the Philippines' new government realistically purchase from China and Russia?
South China Sea Disputes Are On Duterte's China Agenda Ahead of Visit, But to What Ends?
By Ankit Panda
Can Duterte make China a workable offer concerning the South China Sea disputes?
Pentagon Metrics on Afghan War are Useless
By Shawn Snow
The U.S. strategy focused on population centers ignores historical realities of Afghan’s counterrevolutionary history.
Naval Drill: US and Korean Navies Simulate Strikes Against North Korean Nuke Facilities
By Franz-Stefan Gady
U.S. and South Korean naval forces are holding a large-scale military exercise this week.
Afghanistan: General Dostum Micromanages Kunduz War
By Shawn Snow
Afghan security forces have been struggling to push the Taliban out of Kunduz city.
A2/AD Is Dead, Long Live A2/AD
By Robert Farley
Has one of our favorite buzzwords died?
Operation Ginger: When Indian Forces Crossed the Line of Control in 2011
By Ankit Panda
New leaks shed light on a particularly brutal episode of cross-Line of Control violence in 2011.
Philippine Government Eyes Chinese Investment Ahead of Duterte Visit to Beijing
By Ankit Panda
Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez outlined Manila's plans for economic cooperation with China.
South China Sea: Indonesian Military Stages Massive Natuna Sea Exercise
By Ankit Panda
Indonesian President Joko Widodo observed the exercises, underlining the importance of the Natuna Islands.
Have Asia’s Middle Powers Come of Age?
By Chietigj Bajpaee
Recent developments have illustrated that Asia's middle powers are key drivers of strategic change.
China-Thailand Relations in the Spotlight with Activist Deportation
By Shawn W. Crispin
A recent incident has raised questions about how beholden Bangkok is to Beijing.
Afghan Forces Struggle to Hold the Line
By Shawn Snow
Major Afghan cities are currently surrounded and under assault by the Taliban forces.