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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.
Chinese Navy Type 815 Intelligence Ship Transits Tsugaru Strait in Northern Japan
By Ankit Panda
A Chinese Navy spy ship transited waters separating the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Why does that matter?
US Navy Destroyer Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation Near China-Held Island
By Ankit Panda
Just 39 days after a first operation, the Trump administration authorizes a second FONOP in the South China Sea.
Economic Statecraft and Managing Superpowers: How China Did It
By Robert Farley
Echoes of Cold War-era economic statecraft remain part of China's overall foreign policy.
China Tests New Tank in Tibet
By Franz-Stefan Gady
A new Chinese light main battle tank has purportedly been tested on the Tibetan Plateau.
A US-India Consensus on China's Belt and Road?
By Ankit Panda
The Modi-Trump joint statement includes a curious paragraph. What does it mean?
Is a New China-Vietnam Maritime Crisis Brewing in the South China Sea?
By Carl Thayer
What are the implications of China’s abrupt cancellation of military border activities with Vietnam?
What's Behind the Resumed Vietnam-Philippines South China Sea Activity?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Manila and Hanoi resumed naval personnel interaction on a feature in the disputed waters.
US Deploys 10 Long-Range Air-to-Ground Missiles to South Korea
By Franz-Stefan Gady
According to local media reports, U.S. forces deployed precision-guided missiles at an airbase in South Korea.
China Deploys Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft to South China Sea Air Base
By Ankit Panda
In May 2017, China had deployed four Y-8Q (Gaoxin-6) aircraft to Lingshui Air Base in the South China Sea.
The Indian Navy Sets Up to Lead on Humanitarian Assistance in the Indian Ocean
By Robert Farley
Will there be a “peace race” for influence in the Indian Ocean?
Is the Taliban Still a Threat to US Security?
By Wali Shaaker
16 years later, the original rationale for the war on Afghanistan still holds true.
US Government Agent Charged With Giving China Classified Documents
By Ankit Panda
Kevin Mallory is facing charges for selling highly classified U.S. documents to Chinese intelligence agents.