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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.
Questioning the Presumption of a US-China Power Transition
By Ali Wyne
Analysts should consider another possibility: uneasy, fluid coexistence between the United States and China.
The Strategic Consequences of a US-China Rift on Intellectual Property
By Robert Farley
Does it even matter if China updates its intellectual property regime?
US Navy Conducts First Freedom of Navigation Operation of 2019 in South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The operation targeted excessive Chinese maritime claims in the Paracel Islands.
Does Sino-US Competition Mean a Zero Sum Game?
By Ben Lowsen
It may, but it doesn’t have to.
Four Takeaways from Kim Jong Un's New Year's Address
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong Un’s New Year’s address for 2019 covered important external and internal developments.
Japan Intercepts Chinese Spy Plane Over East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
For the second time this month, Japan scrambled fighter jets to intercept a PLANAF aircraft in the East China Sea.
Japan, South Korea in Row Over Alleged Radar-Lock Incident
By Ankit Panda
Seoul denies that its warship deliberately locked on to a Japanese military aircraft.
Mattis Out: The View from Taiwan
By Kent Wang
The Taiwanese in general thought of Mattis as a rational and cautious person, Trump is seen as much the opposite.
Japanese Fighters Intercept Russian Nuclear-Capable Strike Attack Aircraft
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japanese fighter jets scrambled to intercept a Russian strike attack aircraft over the Sea of Japan on December 19.
China Holds Long-Range Air Combat Drill Near Taiwan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Taiwan scrambled fighter jets to intercept Chinese bombers, fighter jets, and an electronic intelligence aircraft flying over the Bashi Strait.
Lawfare and Beyond: The Intellectual Property Front in the US-China Trade War
By Robert Farley
Just how sustainable will U.S. efforts at ‘lawfare’ in protecting intellectual property be?
Russia Is Building Military Barracks on Disputed Kuril Islands
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan has officially logged protest with Russia over the construction of military barracks on the disputed island chain.