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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 Private Army: Protecting the New Silk Road
By Alessandro Arduino
How will Beijing provide security for Chinese personnel and infrastructure along the Belt and Road?
Taiwan, Japan Amend Bilateral East China Sea Fisheries Agreement
By Ankit Panda
The 2013 bilateral fisheries agreement continues to see changes.
How Should the US Engage China in Space?
By Adam Yang
Examining the maritime domain for lessons on a strategic way forward for U.S.-China cooperation.
Why Is North Korea Keeping Silent on the Trump-Kim Meeting?
By Zhiqun Zhu
There are several possible reasons -- and none bode well for successful talks.
The Trump-Kim Summit Is No ‘Nixon to China’ Moment
By Benjamin A. Engel
The Trump administration lacks the prep work and personal involvement that made Nixon’s China trip a success.
US, Japan Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Drill in South China Sea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A U.S. Navy carrier strike group began a bilateral maritime drill with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force this week.
North Korea Is Building Monuments to Its 2 Flight-Tested ICBMs
By Ankit Panda
Open-source analysis finds an interesting use for North Korea's old ICBM launch sites.
Will the US Send a F-35-Carrying Amphibious Assault Ship to Korea for War Games?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. is reportedly dispatching an amphibious assault ship to the Korean Peninsula for a joint-U.S.-ROK landing exercise early next month.
Abe to Visit US in April, Following Trump's Willingness for a North Korea Summit
By Ankit Panda
Japan will be wary about the prospect of a Trump-Kim summit.
South Korean Envoy: Trump Accepts North Korea's Invitation to Meet Kim Jong-un
By Ankit Panda
The meeting, if it happens, will be the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.
Should Malaysia Rename its Part of the South China Sea?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Public discussion of the proposal belies the challenges inherent in adopting it as well as Malaysia’s own approach to the question.
Remembering USS Lexington's Story in the Pacific War
By Robert Farley
USS Lexington has been found.