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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.
US Department of Justice Charges North Korean With 2014 Sony Hack, 2017 WannaCry 2.0 Ransomware Attack
By Ankit Panda
An unsealed criminal complaint details the nature of North Korean cyber activity.
Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets to Intercept Russian Military Aircraft
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan scrambled fighter jets to intercept three Russian aircraft approaching Japanese airspace on September 1.
South China Sea: Philippine Navy Flagship Runs Aground at Half-Moon Shoal
By Ankit Panda
BRP Gregorio del Pilar is being recovered after suffering damage.
Can Russia End the War in Afghanistan?
By Samuel Ramani
Russia has been seeking to establish a leading role in the stabilization of Afghanistan.
The Question of the Decade: How Closely Will the US and India Align?
By Robert Farley
Closer U.S.-India engagement seems to make sense, for very good reasons.
Japanese Fighters Intercept Chinese Spy Plane in Sea of Japan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force intercepted a Chinese surveillance aircraft approaching Japanese airspace on August 29.
Are Fears of a Chinese Port Facility on Manus Island Justified?
By Ankit Panda
Manus Island would be a strategic outpost for China, astride the western Pacific Ocean.
The Folly of Great Expectation From India-China Relations
By Radhey Tambi
The Chinese defense minister's visit to India is not a cure-all for what ails the relationship.
South China Sea: US, China Tussle Over Military Overflight
By Ankit Panda
The United States continues to highlight Chinese rule-breaking in the South China Sea.
Making Sense of the August Fizzle in the US-North Korea Negotiations
By Ankit Panda
U.S.-North Korea diplomacy is at an impasse. Will September produce a breakthrough or a collapse?
How Real Is the Chinese Threat to the United States?
By Charles V. Peña
Threat is a function of both capability and intention.
How Far Can South Korea's Indigenous Defense Industry Go?
By Robert Farley
Aerospace, in particular, presents both great upside and downside for South Korea.