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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.
The China-Philippines South China Sea Face-Off Requires Restraint
By Sarang Shidore
The Philippines and the U.S. are on solid legal ground, but what is lawful is not always wise.
Another Launch for China’s Reusable Space Plane
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
In some ways, China’s Shenlong is similar to the U.S. X-37B reusable space plane, whose planned operations and capabilities have similarly remained unclear.
What’s Important About the Indian Parliament Security Breach
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Despite a history of terrorist attacks and other security concerns, the culture of security appears to be still wanting when it comes to critical infrastructure.
The Use and Misuse of History: What Should We Learn From the Korean War?
By (Clark) Aoqi Wu
Drawing the wrong lessons from the end of the Korean War hinders a useful assessment of deterrence in the original Cold War.
Taiwan’s Election Is Not a Turning Point for US Policy
By Robert Sutter
Regardless of who wins in January 2024, we can expect continuity in U.S. policy toward Taiwan and China.
Nauru and Samoa Join Fossil Fuel Treaty Amid Fierce Debate at COP28
By Sacha Shaw
When it comes to phasing out fossil fuels, the most at-risk countries are taking matters into their own hands rather than waiting on the lagging COP process.
China Won’t Invade Taiwan – For Now
By Philip Hou
China is turning inwards, the U.S. is building deterrence, and Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo – all these factors will help keep the peace.
How China-Russia Relations Are Impacting COP28
By Daria Kurushina
Will China cut fossil fuels – a key part of its partnership with Russia – in favor of the new climate milestone?
NASA Chief in India: Big Fillip to India-US Space Agenda
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
There appears to be a near perfect alignment of the stars for the Indian and U.S. space agencies to collaborate under.
Beyond the Battlefield: China’s Quiet Bid to Sway Taiwan’s 2024 Election (and Future)
By Shaoyu Yuan and Jun Xiang
In the psychological sense, China’s “invasion” of Taiwan is well underway.
Keeping Asia’s Net-Zero Dream Alive
By Tamara Amalia
Developed nations need to take four concrete steps at COP28 to advance the renewable energy transformation in the Asia-Pacific.
India Deepens Defense Ties with the West, But Criticism of Russia Remains Unlikely
By Vladimira Lickova
Even as New Delhi seeks diversification in its defense relationships, and deepening ties with the West, India’s neutral position on the war in Ukraine is consistent and unlikely to change.