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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 Russia’s Support Means for North Korea’s Nuclear Modernization
By Lachlan MacKenzie and Catherine Murphy
Russia’s growing technological assistance has the potential to bolster North Korea’s development of ICBMs and SLBMs, nuclear-powered submarines, and low yield nuclear weapons.
The Danger of a Trump Doctrine for Taiwan
By Philip Hou
This new doctrine of dominating the Western Hemisphere while scaling back commitments elsewhere in the world could leave Taiwan dangerously exposed – unless Taipei takes action.
China’s New Deep-Sea Cutting Tool Exposes Vulnerability of Undersea Cables
By John Calabrese
China, in developing deep-water cable-cutting technology, may be sending a message of intent.
The Big Lie: Being Pro-US Won’t Force China to Invade Taiwan
By Dee Wu
Despite China’s 30-year propaganda campaign that peace would be ensured if cross-strait disputes were settled internally, Beijing’s actual behaviors suggest otherwise.
The Indo-Pacific Region in the Agenda of Germany’s Coalition Government
By Muhammad Murad
Under the Merz-led new government, Germany will have a clear focus on the Indo-Pacific.
PLA Assertiveness in the Tasman Sea Is a Wake-up Call on China’s Dual-Use Infrastructure in the Pacific
By Domingo I-Kwei Yang
China embeds its military ambitions within Pacific Island nations by developing dual-use infrastructure such as ports, wharves, fisheries, aviation hubs, and ICT networks.
Ukraine Claims Capture of Chinese Fighting With Russia in Donetsk
By Catherine Putz and Shannon Tiezzi
Zelenskyy claims that Kyiv has information on at least 155 Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
The Historical Great Powers of Asia: Introduction
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The new era of great powers will be an era of Asian powers and of Asian geopolitical rivalry. In many ways, that marks a return to the historical norm.
Between China’s Advance and America’s Retreat: Europe’s Quest for Strategic Autonomy
By Angelo M’BA and Douglas Brenton Anderson
Trump’s recent measures have cemented a split between Washington and Brussels, but that won’t automatically translate into gains for Beijing.
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: April 2025 Update
By ACLED Asia Pacific Team
An overview of conflict, from protests to military and militant violence, in the Asia-Pacific in March 2025.
Testing a Rival’s Response: China’s Gray Zone Tactics in Australia
By Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva
China’s gradual incremental power projection in Australian waters is a calculated gray zone strategy.
On Defense, Trump’s Early Moves in Asia Have Been Notably Normal
By Tom Corben
Despite its high-decibel MAGA rhetoric, the administration has largely upheld the regional commitments made during Joe Biden's presidency.
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