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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.
Can China Replace the United States as the World's Top Arms Dealer?
By Robert Farley
How China could undercut the dominant U.S. market position in global arms sales.
US Now Has 16 F-35B Stealth Fighters in Japan to Counter North Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Marine Corps finished deploying a squadron of F-35Bs last week.
China Flies 4 Heavy Long-Range Bombers, Spy Planes Near Japan
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japan scrambled fighter jets in response.
A South China Sea Code of Conduct: Is Real Progress Possible?
By Lee YingHui
A closer look at steps toward finalizing a long-anticipated Code of Conduct.
Will China Scuttle ExxonMobil’s South China Sea Gas Project With Vietnam?
By Gary Sands
A planned investment in the Blue Whale field could make the U.S. energy giant the next target of Chinese threats.
Will the Quad Mean the End of ASEAN Centrality?
By Anton Tsvetov
The unexpected revival of the Quad may mean the demise of Asian multilateralism and a more threatened China.
US, Japan, India, and Australia Hold Working-Level Quadrilateral Meeting on Regional Cooperation
By Ankit Panda
The 'Quad' is back.
3 US Carrier Strike Groups Hold Massive Naval Drill with South Korean, Japanese Navies in Western Pacific
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy is conducting a three-carrier strike force exercise off the Korean Peninsula from November 11-14.
APEC 2017: Why Trump’s Presidency Is an 'Enormous Gift' to China
By Charlotte Gao
Trump once again pitches ‘America First’ at the APEC summit, while China's president calls for further cooperation.
Take Note: Asia's 'Quad' Is Back
By Harsh V. Pant
Cooperation between the United States, Japan, Australia, and India is here to stay.
UN’s Futile Effort to Engage Myanmar on the Rohingya Crisis
By Lau Seng Yap
The United Nations Security Council decides to increase pressure on Myanmar, but it won’t have much of an impact.
Muddling on With Pyongyang: Trump's South Korea Trip and a Return to Equilibrium
By Ankit Panda
The Trump administration makes North Korea an old and stale offer — that'll do for now.