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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.

China in Russia, Japan in Ukraine: Asian Powers Enter International Diplomacy
March 22, 2023

China in Russia, Japan in Ukraine: Asian Powers Enter International Diplomacy

By William Figueroa
Understanding the meaning of the dueling trips requires a closer look at the larger context of China and Japan’s recent international diplomatic efforts. 

Japan’s Kishida Offers Ukraine Support as China’s Xi Backs Russia
March 21, 2023

Japan’s Kishida Offers Ukraine Support as China’s Xi Backs Russia

By Karl Ritter
While Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Moscow, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made a surprise visit to Kyiv.
South Korea Will Stay Out of a Taiwan Strait War
March 21, 2023

South Korea Will Stay Out of a Taiwan Strait War

By Denny Roy
There is good reason to think South Korea would limit its support to actions near the low end of the spectrum.

North Korea Says It Conducted Tactical Nuclear Attack Drill
March 20, 2023

North Korea Says It Conducted Tactical Nuclear Attack Drill

By Mitch Shin
Three days after it launched an ICBM, North Korea conducted a nuclear counterattack simulation as a response to the ongoing South Korea-U.S. joint military drills.

What China’s North Korea Policy Reveals About Its Stance on Russia’s War in Ukraine
March 17, 2023

What China’s North Korea Policy Reveals About Its Stance on Russia’s War in Ukraine

By Anny Boc
Those who expect Beijing to agree on tough measures that would put its partnership with Moscow at risk will surely be disappointed. 

North Korea Confirms Hwasong-17 ICBM Test
March 17, 2023

North Korea Confirms Hwasong-17 ICBM Test

By Mitch Shin
A day after its ICBM launch, North Korea confirmed that it tested its Hwasong-17 ICBM in response to the ongoing South Korea-U.S. combined military exercises.

On Day of South Korea-Japan Summit Meeting, North Korea Fires ICBM 
March 16, 2023

On Day of South Korea-Japan Summit Meeting, North Korea Fires ICBM 

By Mitch Shin
Hours before President Yoon held a meeting with the Japanese prime minister in Tokyo, North Korea fired an ICBM toward its eastern coast.
North Korea Fires 2 SRBMs as US, South Korea Conduct Military Drills
March 14, 2023

North Korea Fires 2 SRBMs as US, South Korea Conduct Military Drills

By Mitch Shin
A day after the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills kicked off, North Korea fired two SRBMs toward its eastern coast as a corresponding measure.

North Korea Says It Test-fired 2 Submarine-Launched Strategic Cruise Missiles
March 13, 2023

North Korea Says It Test-fired 2 Submarine-Launched Strategic Cruise Missiles

By Mitch Shin
After holding a Central Military Commission meeting, North Korea continued its preemptive response to the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills.

Deepfakes and Disinformation Pose a Growing Threat in Asia
March 11, 2023

Deepfakes and Disinformation Pose a Growing Threat in Asia

By Dymples Leong
The growing commercialization of deepfakes will bring new challenges to the Asia-Pacific’s information space. 

Kim Jong Un Guides North Korean Missile Launch
March 10, 2023

Kim Jong Un Guides North Korean Missile Launch

By Mitch Shin
Three days before the South Korea-U.S. combined military exercises kick off, North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles toward its western coast.
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Sea, Seoul Says
March 10, 2023

North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Sea, Seoul Says

By Kim Tong-hyung
The latest missile launch comes as South Korea and the U.S. prepare for large-scale military exercises, and President Yoon plans trips to both Tokyo and Washington next week.

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