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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.
China’s October 1 Military Parade: What to Look For
By Ankit Panda
China’s conventional and nuclear modernization is about to be put on display.
Which Is the Bigger Nuclear Threat, Iran or North Korea?
By Timothy S. Rich, Madelynn Einhorn and Parker Cohen
Logically, the U.S. public should be more concerned about North Korea’s program. But the data suggests otherwise.
Vietnam Confronts China, Alone
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Hanoi has not found as much support as it hoped for despite its bold confrontation of Beijing in the South China Sea.
Trump’s Maximum-Pressure-to-All Strategy Is Not Working
By Dingding Chen
The U.S. president's maximum pressure strategies are set to backfire.
As US-Taliban Peace Process Collapses, an Opportunity for Russia?
By Samuel Ramani
An expansion of Russia’s diplomatic involvement could help non-Western powers expand their say over Afghanistan’s political future.
After a China-Vietnam Standoff, Expect a Turn to the US
By Christopher Sharman
Coercive Chinese tactics to settle South China Sea disputes serve as a catalyst for enhanced Vietnam-U.S. security cooperation.
Making Sense of 'Cyber-Restraint': The Australia-China Case
By Robert Farley
Why did Australia react to an apparent Chinese hack the way it did?
The US, Japan and South Korea Should Shelve GSOMIA (For Now)
By DongJoon Park
Insisting that Seoul rejoin GSOMIA may make South Korea more skeptical about Washington’s ability to arbitrate impartially.
Chinese Bombers Conduct Air Strikes During Military Exercise in Russia
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Chinese military aircraft will practice an attack on ground targets during this year’s Central-19 strategic exercise in Western Russia.
Japan Will Get F-35Bs on a Flattop With US Cooperation. Will South Korea Follow?
By Robert Farley
It remains to be seen whether South Korea will benefit from the same kind of cooperation.
China Sends Strategic Bombers, Tanks and 1,600 Troops to Russia for Large Military Drill
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China, Russia and six other countries are conducting a 5-day military exercise in western Russia and the Central Asian region.
Why China's Military Wants to Control These 2 Waterways in East Asia
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Bashi Channel and Miyako Strait constitute critical chokepoints for Chinese military operations both along and beyond the so-called first island chain.