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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 Intelligence: North Korea May Already Be Annually Accruing Enough Fissile Material for 12 Nuclear Weapons
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's arsenal could begin to grow at increasingly faster rates.
A Trial Balloon Over Mindanao: The Philippines Weighs US UCAVs in Counterinsurgency
By Blanchard E. Neuman
Would U.S. unmanned combat aerial vehicles change the game in Mindanao counterinsurgency?
US, Australia, Japan Jointly Challenge China on South China Sea Issue
By Charlotte Gao
The three countries jointly called for China and the Philippines to abide by last year's arbitral ruling.
US Considers Direct Military Involvement in Fight Against Islamic State-Affiliated Militants in Mindanao
By Ankit Panda
U.S. drone strikes against the Islamic State in the Philippines may not be decisive in terminating the conflict.
China Hits Back at South Korea's THAAD Deployment Following North Korea's Latest ICBM Test
By Ankit Panda
South Korea approved the provisional deployment of additional THAAD launchers.
Why Hasn't the United States Thrown Its Support Behind India in the Doklam Standoff?
By Robert Farley
There are good reasons for Washington to avoid being drawn into the Doklam standoff.
How Much Trade Transits the South China Sea? Not $5.3 Trillion a Year
By Ankit Panda
How much trade actually transits the South China Sea every year?
Will a China-ASEAN South China Sea Code of Conduct Really Matter?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
As we hear an agreement being talked up, it’s worth being clear about what it means.
Should North Korea Be Kicked Out of the ASEAN Regional Forum?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The Trump administration continues to call for Pyongyang’s suspension despite the challenges that this entails.
New Details on North Korea's Second ICBM Test Suggest Improvements, Further Testing Ahead
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's Hwasong-14 intercontinental-range ballistic missile may see further testing and development.
Chinese People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Staged a Massive Missile Drill Against a THAAD Mockup Target
By Ankit Panda
The exercise came one day before the People's Liberation Army celebrated its 90th anniversary with a major parade.
Better Sanctions, Better Expectations, and a Better North Korea Policy
By Robert Farley
Are secondary sanctions the key to a better U.S. North Korea policy?