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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.
Steadying the Waters: Navigating the Tensions at Second Thomas Shoal
By Sophie Wushuang Yi
The current stand-off over the Philippine-occupied shoal is a microcosm of the broader security dilemma in the South China Sea.
Sela Tunnel: India’s Border Infrastructure Push Makes Progress
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
With tensions persisting on the Sino-Indian border, Delhi’s efforts to bolster its infrastructure in critical areas continues.
Russian Veto Brings End to UN Panel Monitoring Enforcement of North Korea Sanctions
By Edith M. Lederer
Russia itself is accused of violating the sanctions through its weapons purchases from North Korea.
After Attack in Russia, Focus Turns to ISKP in Afghanistan and Central Asia
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
The focus on and understanding of ISKP’s core area in Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to be expanded to include the large frontiers of Central Asia.
Taiwan Debates a Presidential Visit to the South China Sea
By Andrew Orchard
The outcome of Taiwan's domestic debate about whether President Tsai Ing-wen should visit Itu Aba could have regional implications.
Undersea Cables are Increasingly Critical and Vulnerable
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Undersea cables must be understood as critical infrastructure, and their vulnerability – to intentional tampering and accidental damage – acknowledged.
Crocus City Hall Attack: Deciphering Central Asian Jihadism and Russian Counterterrorism
By Uran Botobekov
The Kremlin has made a concerted effort to implicate Ukraine, despite the absence of evidence linking Kyiv to the attack. Meanwhile, ISKP poses a clear threat to Russia.
North Korea Resumes Missile Tests, Raising Tensions With Rivals After Military Drills End
By Hyung-jin Kim and Mari Yamaguchi
The launches came after South Korean-U.S. military drills concluded and as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Seoul for a democracy summit.
No, Japan Will Not Defend Taiwan
By Zhuoran Li
Whatever the Kishida administration might want, there are still strong domestic constraints to the country taking part in any conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
China and India’s Intense Contest for Influence
By Jabin T. Jacob
India has kept a close watch on China’s activities and responded strongly where its security was directly affected.
What’s in the US Intelligence Community’s 2024 Annual Threat Assessment?
By Catherine Putz
China, Russia, and the usual suspects feature heavily in a tangled web of threats perceived by the U.S. intelligence community that range across the globe.
Sweden Joins NATO: Implications for the Indo-Pacific
By Jagannath Panda and Mahima Duggal
As NATO looks eastward with an eye on China, Sweden’s accession will also impact Indo-Pacific countries.