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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, Russia Kick Off Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘Joint Sea’
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and Russian Navy began a six-day naval drill in Qingdao, China on April 29.
Making Sense of China’s Reaction to the French Navy’s Taiwan Strait Transit
By Ankit Panda
Did China’s spokesperson misspeak or is the Taiwan Strait now being claimed in full as “Chinese waters“?
Japan Sub-Hunting Planes Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise in India
By Franz-Stefan Gady
India and Japan conducted an anti-submarine warfare exercise off the western coast of India on April 24.
How China’s Military Manages Interservice Competition
By Robert Farley
How does the People’s Liberation Army manage a common challenge for any large military?
China Urges Closer Naval Ties Amid Regional Tensions
By Associated Press
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged closer ties among the world's navies this week.
Senior US Navy Official on Japan’s Missing F-35A: ‘We Have a Pretty Good Idea Where it Is’
By Franz-Stefan Gady
US and Japanese search efforts are reportedly closing in on the wreckage of a crashed Japanese F-35A fighter jet.
China’s Rise and Modern Military Technology: Part II
By Andrea Gilli and Mauro Gilli
The US is still unrivaled in stealth technology. Will China ever be able to catch up?
With Diplomacy on Life Support, North Korea Names and Shames Pompeo, Bolton
By Ankit Panda
North Korea’s attacks on Pompeo and Bolton showcase a less delicate diplomatic approach.
Game of Thrones and the Significance of ‘Last Stands’ in US and British Imperial Military History
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The upcoming fight for Winterfell in the HBO series Game of Thrones speaks to the mother of all mythologies in Western imperialist military history.
At Indian General Election Rallies, Modi Beats the Nuclear Drums
By Ankit Panda
The Indian prime minister touts New Delhi’s nuclear capabilities.
After Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks Kill Nearly 300, Sri Lanka Looks For Answers
By Ankit Panda
With no claim of responsibility, Sri Lankan authorities seek clarity after a national tragedy.
India, US Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Drill in Indian Ocean
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Indian and U.S. navies practiced submarine hunting in the Indian Ocean earlier this week.