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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.
February 02, 2023
North Korea Reaffirms ‘Nuke for Nuke’ Stance Against US
By Mitch Shin
Two days after the U.S. defense secretary’s visit to Seoul, the North Korean Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson published a statement to denounce Washington’s moves.
January 31, 2023
Perception of Corruption Stagnates Across Asia
By Catherine Putz
Governments in Asia are perceived to be as corrupt as ever.
January 31, 2023
How China Uses Geoengineering to Pursue a Hybrid Warfare Strategy
By Kunal Sharma
China's growing ability to alter and manipulate the physical environment could help advance its geopolitical ambitions.
January 30, 2023
Why Is North Korea Supporting Russia on Ukraine?
By Mitch Shin
In her latest statement, Kim Yo Jong blamed the United States for “escalating the war” by sending tanks to Ukraine.
January 30, 2023
China’s Navy, the West Pacific and the Role of Okinotorishima
By TSURUTA Jun
January 27, 2023
Diversification Isn’t Enough to Cure Europe’s Economic Dependence on China
By Francesca Ghiretti and Hanns W. Maull
In wrestling with its economic vulnerability to China, the EU is betting on diversification to solve its problems. It’s not the panacea it is made out to be.
January 26, 2023
Where Does South Asia Fit Now in US Security and Defense Strategies?
By Monish Tourangbam and Vasu Sharma
A changing geopolitical landscape requires the U.S. to re-evaluate its South Asia policy and how it positions the region within its larger strategic calculus.
January 23, 2023
Is South Korea Considering Nuclear Weapons?
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Whether South Korea builds a nuclear bomb on its own or not, nuclear weapons are gaining greater importance in the national security thinking of many states in the Indo-Pacific.
January 21, 2023
The True Significance of the China-India Yangtse Clash
By Ivan Lidarev
The clash in late 2022 revealed much about the future direction of Sino-Indian relations.
January 20, 2023
10 Reasons Xi Won’t Attack Taiwan Anytime Soon
By Hemant Adlakha
Yes, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ambitions for absorbing Taiwan. But so did all his predecessors.
January 20, 2023
Space Is Going Commercial in Asia, but There’s a Rocky Road Ahead
By Arpit Raswant , Jiye Kim, and Tim Mahlberg
Space commercialization is creating opportunities for businesses, headaches for governments, and confusion for Asia-Pacific consumers.
January 19, 2023
Russia’s Irrational War in Ukraine Should Be a Warning for Predicting China’s Behavior
By Jan Švec
Many of the factors that led to Putin’s disastrous decision are also present in China’s authoritarian system.
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