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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.
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.
Why Asian Countries Are Keeping a Low Profile in the Israel-Hamas War
By Guy Burton
Platforms for the Global South, like BRICS, have stepped up their rhetoric. But don’t overestimate what they can – and are willing to – do.
Australia-Philippines Launch Joint Naval Patrol in South China Sea
By Grant Wyeth
The recent joint patrol is another sign that Beijing's attempts at intimidation in will not be submitted to – not by the Philippines and not by Australia.
Unrest in the Middle East Is Bad for Both CPEC and IMEC
By Burak Elmali
As uncertainties deepen, what lies ahead for these dueling connectivity projects?
China Ignores North Korea’s Provocations at Its Own Risk
By Min-yong Lee
China was silent on North Korea’s launch of a military satellite, just as it has kept quiet on rapid advancements in Pyongyang’s missile program. Is a nuclear test next?
India-US 2+2 Strategic Dialogue Keeps Indo-Pacific in Focus
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Despite multiple crises in Europe and the Middle East, the 2+2 strategic dialogue demonstrated that Washington has not entirely lost sight of what needs to be done in the Indo-Pacific.
A South China Sea Code of Conduct Cannot Be Built on a Foundation of Bad Faith
By Raymond Powell
There’s an obvious reason CoC talks haven’t progressed: China isn’t interested.
Taiwan: The Paradox of Preserving the Status Quo
By Wu Jieh-min
Divergent interpretations of the status quo can coexist during peacetime. But with tensions rising, it's getting tricky to keep the balance.
Artificial Intelligence, Disinformation, and the 2024 Indonesian Elections
By Nuurrianti Jalli
With the world at a technological watershed, Indonesia needs to develop mechanisms to guard against the manipulation of AI for political purposes.
Offshore Wind in the South China Sea: A Counter-Salami Slicing Strategy for Vietnam
By Shambhu Sajith
Vietnam could achieve two goals at once by pursuing advanced clean energy technology and solidifying its claims in the South China Sea.
China-US Nuclear Arms Control Talks: A Much-Needed First Step
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Ahead of the anticipated Biden-Xi meeting, officials from both sides met in Washington for arms control and nonproliferation talks.
China’s Ambivalence on the North Korea-Russia Security Alignment
By Wooyeal Paik
There are both pros and cons for Beijing as Russia and North Korea expand their arms trade and strategic cooperation.