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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.
How Russia-US Talks on Ukraine Shake Taiwanese Confidence in America’s Commitment
By Kuan-chen Lee
Survey findings reveal a clear pattern: Taiwanese perceptions of U.S. credibility are closely tied to how Washington handles its global commitments.
Noshki Bus Attack: The Baloch Liberation Army’s Evolving Suicide Attack Strategy
By Mehrzaad Baluch
Days after a major train hijacking, the BLA targeted buses carrying Pakistani security forces. Both attacks highlight the BLA's new strategy of combining suicide attacks with conventional guerrilla warfare.
Afghanistan, Pakistan Point Fingers Over Islamic State Presence
By Sahibzada Muhammad Usman
Each government is attempting to blame the other for the continued activities of ISKP. Meanwhile, the group continues to conduct attacks.
Quantum: A New Frontier of China-US Competition
By Brian Moscioni
The U.S. and China find themselves headed for another high-stakes technology competition rooted in fears of being left behind and paranoia.
Safeguarding Climate Action Amid Political Transitions in Asia
By Betty Wang and Farwa Aamer
Climate action in many Asian nations remains heavily leadership-driven, making it particularly susceptible to disruption.
Atomic Wars: Nuclear Energy Competition in Southeast Asia
By Kaitlyn Flynn
As governments in the region seek to secure their energy futures, nuclear cooperation is emerging as a new front of strategic jockeying.
The South China Sea: Making the Philippines-US Alliance Work Under Trump 2.0
By Julio Amador III
The most crucial question remains: How to deter China?
Can Trump Restart Talks With North Korea?
By MIYAMOTO Satoru
There is reason to be skeptical.
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: March 2025 Update
By ACLED Asia Pacific Team
An overview of conflict, from protests to military and militant violence, in the Asia-Pacific in February 2025.
How China Can Retaliate in the US Trade War
By MacKenna J. Rawlins
The inconsistent trade policy coming from Washington leaves Beijing with no clear path to take to get out of the crosshairs. That leaves retaliation as the most likely response.
The COVID-19 ‘Lab-Leak Origin’ Theory: Fact or Fiction?
By Florence Débarre
The U.S. government is increasingly supporting the “lab leak” theory. But with no new evidence released, it’s impossible to evaluate the accuracy of that conclusion.
Zelenskyy at the White House: The Rapid Crumbling of US Leadership Creates a Golden Opportunity for China
By Zi Yang
Amid a near-complete reversal in U.S. foreign policy, more nations may look to China to fill the role that the United States once played – an unthinkable prospect just a few months ago.
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