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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.
China’s Security Gambit in the Indian Ocean
By Steven Stashwick
Should China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean be a cause for concern?
China’s Risky Plan for Floating Nuclear Power Plants In The South China Sea
By Viet Phuong Nguyen
Such plants would present serious safety hazards for China and Southeast Asia.
Trump Withdraws US From Iran Deal, Reimposes Sanctions: Here's What's Next
By Ankit Panda
Trump did not announce any Iranian material violations of the 2015 nuclear accord.
Decoding China's Aerospace Technology Transfer Strategy
By Robert Farley
China’s own technology transfer policies may be keeping Chinese firms from accessing the world's most advanced equipment.
More Than Meets the Eye: The 2018 Japan-China-South Korea Trilateral Summit
By David Kim
Wednesday’s trilateral summit will add momentum to — and raise the stakes for — the upcoming Trump-Kim meeting.
What Makes America the Most Powerful State in Asia?
By Catherine Putz
In the Lowy Institute's Asia Power Index, Washington remains on top. But China isn't far behind.
China Deploys Long-Range Anti-Ship and Anti-Air Missiles to Spratly Islands For First Time
By Steven Stashwick
Missiles are unambiguous 'militarization' of disputed islands.
Australia and China's DF-26 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
By Ankit Panda
Is Australia best off pursuing investments in missile defense to defend against China's DF-26?
Possible Use of Blinding Laser Weapon Near China's Djibouti Base Spurs US Warning to Aviators
By Ankit Panda
The Chinese military may be using a high-powered laser against pilots in Djibouti air space.
Could China Flash Invade Taiwan?
By Ian Easton
A look at what would be the ultimate nightmare scenario for Taiwan.
Tokyo to Host 7th China-South Korea-Japan Trilateral Summit
By Ankit Panda
The trilateral Northeast Asian summit will meet for the first time since 2015, with a focus on North Korea.
The Case of ZTE and US-China Relations
By Dingding Chen
We might be entering a new era in the economic relationship between China and the United States. ZTE's case shows why.