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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.
September 26, 2022
North Korea Fires Short-range Ballistic Missile Toward Its East Coast
By Mitch Shin
A day before the South Korea-U.S. navy joint drills kick off, North Korea launched its first ballistic missile since June 5.
September 24, 2022
India and the Kindleberger Trap: Multipolarity Amid the Taiwan Crisis
By Jagannath Panda
Amid the China-U.S. competition, how can India (and other middle powers) ensure the provision of global public goods?
September 23, 2022
South Korea, US, Japan Reaffirm Joint Stance on North Korea’s Missile Threats
By Mitch Shin
The top diplomats from the three countries met in New York on Thursday to coordinate the joint response over North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
September 22, 2022
US Moves Toward ‘Strategic Clarity’ Reveal Old Rifts in China-US Relations
By Kuan-Ting Chen and Joe Baldock
As President Biden doubles down on his commitment to defend Taiwan, the discrepancies between Chinese and U.S. interpretations of their foundational diplomatic policies are beginning to show.
September 20, 2022
What Does Iran’s Membership in the SCO Mean for the Region?
By Aamna Khan
Iran is the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
September 19, 2022
Russia Seeks Closer Security Ties With China as Key Goal
By Vladimir Isachenkov
Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian Security Council, described the "strengthening of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Beijing as an unconditional priority of Russia's foreign policy."
September 19, 2022
Japan Needs a Cyber Ministry: Former JGSDF Major General
By Kosuke Takahashi
Tokyo needs to establish a cyber ministry to oversee and defend the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure against threats, says Major General Tanaka Tatsuhiro, a former commanding general of the GSDF’s Signal School.
September 17, 2022
Can the West Shake Its Dependence on China’s Rare Earths?
By Barbara Kelemen and Alexander Stonor
Reliance on China’s rare earth elements sector limits the ability of the United States to punish Beijing economically should it pursue a military action against Taiwan.
September 13, 2022
Much Ado About Nothing: North Korea’s New Nuclear Law
By Nah Liang Tuang
Alarm over North Korea’s new law concerning its nuclear weapons policy is unwarranted, as the legislation does not significantly alter Pyongyang’s implied nuclear doctrine.
September 12, 2022
Will India and China Escape the Thucydides’ Trap?
By Jagannath Panda
A Taiwan Strait conflict could also spark a Sino-Indian war in the Himalayas.
September 10, 2022
Taiwan Strait Crisis Strengthens US Resolve to Support Taiwan, Counter China
By Robert Sutter
The Washington Consensus remains united and the direction of U.S. policy is clear.
September 09, 2022
With New Law on Nuclear Forces Policy, North Korea Says Its Nuclear Status Is ‘Irreversible’
By Mitch Shin
A day before the 74th anniversary of the country’s founding, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to keep strengthening his nuclear power.
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