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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.
India, Japan to Hold First-Ever Military Exercises Involving Ground Troops
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Japanese defense minister is reportedly arranging a visit to India in August to discuss expanding military exercises between the two countries.
India’s Air Force to Participate in Australia’s ‘Pitch Black’ Air Combat Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Indian Air Force will for the first time participate in the Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial ‘Pitch Black’ air combat drill.
China and North Korea: Still ‘Lips and Teeth’
By Yu-Hua Chen
Those who think the relationship has markedly changed never understood it to begin with.
Bridging India-China Strategic Distrust in the Indo-Pacific
By Siddharth Singh
The recent maritime affairs dialogue is a format that India and China can build on to bridge the gap between them.
Will China Develop VSTOL Fighters for Its Amphibious Assault Ships?
By Robert Farley
A PLAN VSTOL? It's not as crazy as you might think.
United States, Australia, Japan Achieve War Games First at RIMPAC on Kauai
By Jon Letman
Australia, the United States, and Japan focus on improving interoperability with sinking exercise.
2 Russian Nuclear-Capable Bombers Enter South Korea’s Air Defense Identification Zone
By Franz-Stefan Gady
South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian bombers approaching the air spaces of both countries.
The US Navy's FFG(X) Program Could Take a Nod From East Asian Shipbuilders
By Robert Farley
Should the next U.S. frigate come from the Pacific?
Chinese Navy Surveillance Vessel Observes RIMPAC 2018 Exercises
By Ankit Panda
Once again, China has sent a Type 815 AGI to observe RIMPAC.
North Korea's Diplomatic No Show Amplifies Post-Singapore Diplomatic Tensions
By Ankit Panda
The no-show is a well-worn North Korean negotiating tactic, but this time, it highlights growing discord in talks.
Is China Using Force or Coercion in the South China Sea?
By Constantinos Yiallourides
Why words matter.
Can China Mediate Between Pakistan and India?
By Samuel Ramani
Beijing will play an increasingly important role in the preservation of stability in South Asia.