Blog
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.
The Squad: Adding an ‘S’ for Security
By Oorja Tapan
The Philippines is not replacing India in the Quad, but India’s hesitancy on the security agenda in the region in hopes of not triggering China dilutes the Quad’s focus.
25 Years Later: How a US Stealth Bomber Strike on China’s Belgrade Embassy Shook the World
By A. B. Abrams
The strike symbolized the height of the unipolar moment of the post-Cold War era – and forced potential U.S. adversaries to shore up their defenses.
Russia Defends Veto of UN Resolution to Prohibit Nukes in Outer Space
By Edith M. Lederer
Instead, Russia urged the U.S., Japan, and their Western allies to vote to ban all weapons in space.
US and Philippine Forces Stage Combat Drills Near Strategic Bashi Channel off Southern Taiwan
By Jim Gomez and Aaron Favila
This year’s Balikatan exercises focus on territorial defense in two of the most sensitive fault lines in the China-U.S. rivalry: the disputed South China Sea and the Bashi Channel.
The Data Arms Race in China-US Technological Competition
By Sunny Cheung
The restrictive strategies adopted by both nations are setting precedents for data governance, cybersecurity, and international trade protocols in the digital age.
What a Rising India and a New Japan Could Mean for the Indo-Pacific
By Anuraag Khaund
As the Japan-U.S. relationship continues to evolve, there emerge distinct synergies between U.S.-Japan and India-Japan initiatives.
Europe and Deterrence in East Asia
By Frans-Paul van der Putten
In order to help prevent a crisis, the EU needs to support the status quo not only between China and Taiwan, but also between China and the United States.
Why China Is Wary of US ‘Ironclad’ Alliance With the Philippines
By Bree Megivern
Even though Balikatan is almost a 40-year tradition, this year’s exercises are larger and more pronounced than past iterations. And China is watching.
India and Pakistan’s New Shadow Rivalry
By Krzysztof Iwanek
When Pakistan is more active in building relations with a certain Muslim-majority country, India engages more with that country’s rival.
China-US Great Power Rivalry a Boiling Hot Pot
By Monish Tourangbam
As election season in the United States approaches, the temperature of the China-U.S. broth is unstably high.
Washington Is Missing the Point on Alternatives to the Belt and Road Initiative
By Zenel Garcia and Alex Marino
Any alternative corridor (like IMEC) is likely to leverage BRI hubs and completed projects – thus making them complementary rather than competing initiatives.
For Russia, US Aid to Taiwan Is More Concerning Than $61 Billion to Ukraine
By Oleg Yanovsky
Moscow sees the latest round of military aid to Ukraine as a tactical inconvenience but not a strategic danger. The $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific is the real gamechanger.