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.
Koreas Successfully Implement September 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement
By Ankit Panda
The two Koreas successfully implement a historic Comprehensive Military Agreement.
Beyond Denuclearization: Dealing With North Korea’s Other WMDs
By Sungku Jang
Even if Pyongyang gives up its nukes, it will still have biological and chemical weapons and EMPs.
Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Intercept Chinese Spy Plane
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japan Air Self Defense Force intercepted a Chinese military surveillance aircraft in the Sea of Japan on October 29.
What Chance Do Carriers Have in Asia in a Post-INF Treaty World?
By Robert Farley
The extent to which the above-surface environment in the Western Pacific becomes more lethal for big ships should matter at the margins for carrier procurement.
With Latest Abe-Modi Meet, India and Japan Make Security and Defense Cooperation Strides
By Ankit Panda
Negotiations on a new military logistics sharing agreement are but a part of the new dimensions to the relationship.
US, Japan Kick off Military Exercise Involving 57,000 Personnel
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. and Japan began the biennial Keen Sword exercise at military installations throughout Japan and surrounding waters.
Sri Lanka’s Constitutional Crisis: The Geopolitical Dimension
By Ana Pararajasingham
The sacking of Sri Lanka’s prime minister bodes poorly for India and the US, but is a welcome sign for China.
INF Withdrawal: Bolton’s Tool to Shatter China-Russia Military Ties?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty could heat up the Russia-China border.
2 US Warships Transit Taiwan Strait
By Steven Stashwick
Passage by a cruiser and destroyer follows similar transit in July.
What the Trump Administration's Consideration of a Plan to Ban Chinese Students Says About US-China Competition
By Robert Farley
The proposal suggests how seriously the administration is thinking about confrontation and competition with China.
Global Strategic Trends: Imagining East Asia in 2050
By Li Jie Sheng
A new report from the U.K. predicts trends and flashpoints that will shape East Asia over the next 30-plus years.
US Withdrawal From the INF Treaty: Considerations in East Asia
By Robert Farley
Does withdrawing from the INF Treaty bring the United States advantages in Asia?