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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 or Where Is the Indo-Pacific?
By Andrew Latham
How a foreign policy pivot redefined the global map.
Why China Will Not Invade Taiwan (For Now)
By Thorsteinn Kristinsson
China has little to gain and everything to lose by altering the world's current geopolitical trajectory.
Strategic Convergence Between India and the European Union
By Christoph P. Mohr
As the world undergoes a profound transition, India and the EU can help shape the future global order, safeguard stability, and advance their shared goals.
The Taliban’s Role in the Fragile Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan
By Besmillah Taban
Afghanistan has long been linked to cross-border terrorism. That could prove a major factor if the combatants shift from state armies to proxy militias.
China, US Declare Temporary Truce in Their Trade War
By Shannon Tiezzi
Both sides walked back the eye-popping tariff rates announced since April 2, but no progress was made on structural issues.
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: May 2025 Update
By ACLED Asia Pacific Team
An overview of conflict, from protests to military and militant violence, in the Asia-Pacific in April 2025.
The CIA Is Making a New Push to Recruit Chinese Officials. Will It Work?
By Zi Yang
Despite its bold recruitment pitch, the CIA is unlikely to make significant gains amid the intensification of the China-U.S. intelligence war.
The Strategic Misreading of Taiwan Is a Dangerous Oversight
By Sana Hashmi
Casting Taiwan as a “provocateur” is not only analytically flawed, but risks legitimizing Beijing’s aggression.
In Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack, India Strikes Pakistan-based Terror Camps
By Elizabeth Roche
As Pakistan readies to hit back, shelling across the LoC and International Border intensifies.
Pakistan Prepares Counterblow as India’s Airstrikes Raise War Fears
By Umair Jamal
Islamabad's policy of "quid pro quo plus" in responding to any Indian attacks is likely to see it carry out more attacks in Kashmir and India.
Pakistan Threatens to Suspend Participation in the Simla Agreement
By Sudha Ramachandran
Should it act on its warning, the situation in Kashmir could seriously destabilize as both India and Pakistan scramble to alter the status quo militarily.
In First, China Coast Guard Helicopter Enters Japan’s Airspace Near Disputed Islands, Escalating Tensions
By Takahashi Kosuke
The incident near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands has developed into a heated diplomatic verbal battle between Tokyo and Beijing.
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