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.
The Trump-Kim Summit, North Korea's 'New Strategic Line,' and Pompeo's 'Bold Approach' 2.0
By Ankit Panda
The United States is right that North Korea seeks economic betterment, but misses the mark on how it seeks this goal.
South China Sea: What China's First Strategic Bomber Landing on Woody Island Means
By Ankit Panda
Expect these bombers to come to one of China's three airstrip-equipped Spratly artificial islands soon.
Working with Vietnam, Russia's Rosneft Draws China’s Ire
By Nicholas Trickett
Rosneft is a crucial arm of Russian foreign policy, yet functions at times without direct Kremlin involvement.
Trump's 'Libya Model' Remark on North Korea Was a Threat and May Sink the June 12 Summit
By Ankit Panda
Trump tried to reassure Kim, but instead ended up reminding him why he needs his nuclear weapons.
South Korea's Second Dokdo-class Assault Carrier and the Future of the ROKN
By Robert Farley
South Korea is wealthy enough and has a sufficiently robust shipbuilding industry to try its hand at larger carriers.
Does China Have a ‘Blacklist’ of Taiwan ‘Separatists’?
By J. Michael Cole
Even if the blacklist doesn't currently exist, China's habit of extraterritorial abductions makes it all too plausible.
North Korea Cancels High-level Inter-Korean Meeting, Threatens US Summit Cancellation, Over US-ROK Exercises
By Ankit Panda
North Korea unexpectedly cancelled a high-level inter-Korean summit, throwing recent diplomatic rapprochement into question.
US Intelligence: North Korean Nuclear Test Site Modifications Would Take 'Weeks to Months' to Reverse
By Ankit Panda
North Korea is making significant alterations to its nuclear test site, but none that are irreversible just yet.
Could the US Navy Blockade China in Wartime?
By Robert Farley
Blockading mainland China presents a range of strategic setbacks for the United States.
We Need to Talk About North Korea's Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles
By Ankit Panda
Zeroing in on North Korea's intercontinental-range ballistic missiles is a counterproductive approach for the Trump administration.
As China's Type 001A Carrier Enters Sea Trials, What's Next for the PLAN's Carrier Force?
By Ankit Panda
China's first indigenously built and designed carrier is an important milestone for the PLAN.
China Flies Su-35 Fighters Over Bashi Channel for First Time
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Chinese Su-35 fighter jets and H-6K bombers circled Taiwan during a long-range patrol.