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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.
US, Japan Conduct Military Exercise Near Senkakus
By Franz-Stefan Gady
U.S. B-1B bombers and Japanese fighters participated in a joint air drill in the vicinity of the Senkaku islands on August 15.
North Korea's New High-Performance Missile Engines Likely Weren't Made in Russia or Ukraine
By Ankit Panda
However, U.S. intelligence has a good idea of the kind of engine North Korea is using in its new long-range missiles.
North Korea Won't Be Striking the Waters Near Guam. For Now.
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong-un decided not to pull the trigger on his plan to strike waters near Guam. What does that tell us?
US, Japan Conduct Military Exercise in Hokkaido
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Over 2,000 U.S. Marines are joined by 1,500 Japan Self-Defense Force personnel in an annually-held joint contingency exercise.
China and North Korea Have a Mutual Defense Treaty, But When Would It Apply?
By Ankit Panda
China's assurances to North Korea would not apply if it began a war, but it would if were attacked first.
US Intelligence: North Korea's ICBM Reentry Vehicles Are Likely Good Enough to Hit the Continental US
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's reentry vehicle technology is likely where it needs it to be, but it may choose to test to longer ranges.
Why North Korea's Brinkmanship Will Never Stop
By Dmitriy Nurullayev
Playing up the idea of conflict with the United States is a key survival tactic for the Kim regime.
Sino-Russian Shadow Competition Plays Out in Egypt
By Nicholas Trickett
A legacy of competition exists between the two powers -- can Russia shadowbox China in Egypt?
Why Trump's Threat of 'Fire and Fury' Against North Korea Is So Dangerous
By Vipin Narang and Ankit Panda
Trump's empty threats are not only dangerous; they serve to undermine allied commitments and the credibility of U.S. threats.
South China Sea: US Navy Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation
By Franz-Stefan Gady
It was the third freedom of navigation operation conducted during the presidency of Donald Trump.
Why North Korea Is Planning Long-Range Missile Flight Tests Over Japan and Toward Guam
By Ankit Panda
What an unusual statement out of North Korea tells us about its future missile testing plans.
Are Geopolitical Realities Hindering Trump's Scrutiny of Chinese Trade Practices?
By Robert Farley
When will the Trump administration make a move on China's trade practices?