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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.
Taking Great Power Competition Seriously
By Robert Farley
As U.S.-China competition intensifies, how should Washington realign its interests in the Middle East?
Would the US Really Lose a War With China and Russia?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new study offers little evidence for its bold generalizations that the U.S. is losing its ability to win a state-vs-state war.
Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Intercept Chinese Y-9JB Aircraft Over East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japan Air Self Defense Force intercepted a PLANAF spy plane near Okinawa on December 14.
The Geopolitics of Oil and Gas in the South China Sea
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Eufracia Taylor and Hugo Brennan.
China Dispatches New Naval Fleet for Gulf of Aden Escort Mission
By Ankit Panda
The PLAN's deployments to the western Indian Ocean region continue.
Australia Deploys P-8A Poseidon to Japan to Enforce North Korea Sanctions
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Australia will deploy the maritime patrol aircraft to Japan to conduct maritime surveillance to prevent sanctions evasions.
US Navy Conducts First Post-Cold War FONOP in Peter the Great Bay, Off Russian Coast
By Ankit Panda
The operation challenges what the United States sees as excessive Russian maritime claims.
India, Japan Air Forces Hold First Joint Military Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
India and Japan kicked off their first joint air exercise in northern India in early December.
Japan Intercepts Chinese Electronic Warfare and Surveillance Aircraft Over East China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japan Air Self Defense Force intercepted a PLANAF spy plane over the East China Sea and Tsushima Strait on November 26.
Revealed: US Intelligence Chief Clarifies the Nature of Russia's INF Treaty Violation
By Ankit Panda
The head of the U.S. intelligence community discussed Russia's treaty violation in more detail than ever before.
Russia-China-India Trilateral Leaders' Summit Reconvenes at 2018 G20
By Ankit Panda
After 12 years, the leaders of Russia, India, and China meet in a trilateral setting.
The Izumo-class's VSTOL Conversions and Japanese Navy Power
By Robert Farley
How many carrier-based F-35s will Japan operate?