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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.
Making Sense of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's New Tracks at Doklam
By Ankit Panda
Chinese troops added new tracks near the point of the summertime standoff in the late-summer.
Did Trump Just Kick off the Space Race 2.0 With China?
By Charlotte Gao
While China pursues its space plan, Donald Trump signs a directive to send U.S. astronauts back to the Moon.
China Flies Long-Range Bombers Near Japan and Taiwan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Chinese bombers and support aircraft aimed to “test real combat capabilities.”
What Good Are the Indian Navy's Aircraft Carriers Against Pakistan?
By Robert Farley
Just how useful will India's carriers be in a potential future war with Pakistan?
China, Russia Kick Off Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense Exercise
By Franz-Stefan Gady
China and Russia began a joint computer-assisted missile defense exercise on Monday.
US, Japan, South Korea to Hold Missile Tracking Exercises
By Ankit Panda
The United States and its two Northeast Asian allies continue trilateral cooperation on missile defense.
China Protests as Indian Drone Crashes Across the Line of Actual Control
By Ankit Panda
India claims the drone was on a training mission and veered across the border when its operators lost control due to technical issues.
This 1925 Novel Inspired Japan’s Attack on Pearl Harbor
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A little known novel by a British naval analyst predicted a U.S.-Japan war, including a Japanese sneak attack on U.S. forces.
Japan, China Agree to Implement East China Sea Crisis Management Hotline
By Ankit Panda
An agreement this week will lead to the implementation of a long-sought hotline.
India’s 'Carrier Killer': The Air-Launched BrahMos Missile
By Dinakar Peri
How will seafaring states in the Indian Ocean react to the BrahMos ALCM?
US B-1B Bomber Joins US-ROK War Games in Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A B-1B bomber flying from Guam joined up with U.S. stealth fighters over Korean skies.
Is China’s Uyghur Challenge Changing Its Calculus on Syria?
By Michael Clarke
What to make of recent reports that China is sending special forces to Syria?