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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.
Iranian FM: Will Leave NPT if Europeans Refer Case to UN Security Council
By Ankit Panda
The statement follows a decision by the European parties to the JCPOA to invoke the agreement’s dispute resolution mechanism.
India Tests K-4 Submarine-Launched Missile, Pushing Its Sea-Based Deterrent Forward
By Ankit Panda
The K-4 will arm India’s ballistic missile submarines.
India Test Fires Intermediate-Range, Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The missile launch from a submerged platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh took place on January 19.
Great Britain’s Worst Military Blunder in South Asia
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Recounting the disastrous end of Great Britain’s first invasion of Afghanistan.
Iran’s Top Leader Strikes Defiant Tone Amid Month of Turmoil
By Associated Press
Iran's supreme leader lashed out at Western countries as he led Friday prayers in Tehran for the first time in eight years.
China Hopes UN Meeting Spurs India-Pakistan Talks on Kashmir
By Associated Press
A UN Security Council meeting called by Beijing to address the Kashmir issue was held on Wednesday.
Russia Says US Indo-Pacific Strategy is to Contain China
By Associated Press
"Why do you need to call Asia-Pacific as Indo-Pacific? The answer is evident — to exclude China.”
Are China’s South China Sea Artificial Islands Militarily Significant and Useful?
By Ankit Panda
China's artificial islands are a symbol of its revisionism in the South China Sea, but they're also militarily significant.
US, Japan Hold Naval Exercise in East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The January 13 exercise included a US F-35B carrying amphibious assault ship and a Japanese amphibious transport dock ship.
UK, France, Germany Invoke Iran Deal Dispute Resolution Mechanism
By Ankit Panda
The decision follows warnings from the European countries amid Iran's steps to reduce compliance with the 2015 agreement.
Is Germany Considering Maritime Missions in Asia?
By Markus Kaim
Berlin may be considering a freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea. Here’s why that matters.
Recent Developments Surrounding the South China Sea
By Associated Press
A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons.