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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's Sixth Test Was a 140 Kiloton 'Advanced Nuclear' Device
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's sixth nuclear test was easily its biggest yet, according to early U.S. intelligence estimates.
The Truth About China’s Indonesia South China Sea Tantrum
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Beijing’s displeasure is all too predictable and far from convincing.
Time to Consider ‘Active Deterrence’ of North Korea
By Aurelia George Mulgan
Active deterrence could be deployed against North Korea’s ballistic missile tests under specific conditions.
Welcome to the H-Bomb Club, North Korea
By Ankit Panda and Vipin Narang
North Korea's pursuit of a thermonuclear weapon comports perfectly with its nuclear strategy.
South Korea Carries Out Live-Fire Drill After North Korean Nuclear Test
By Ankit Panda
South Korea carries out a show-of-force after North Korea's latest nuclear test.
How North Korea's ICBM and New 'Thermonuclear' Bomb Might 'Decouple' the US and Its Allies
By Ankit Panda
North Korea's objective is the end of the United States alliances in Northeast Asia. ICBMs and big nukes may get it there.
China's People's Liberation Army May Have a Civil-Military Relations Problem
By Robert Farley
How serious are China’s civil-military relations problems?
Is Russia's Arms Industry About to Fall Off a Cliff?
By Robert Farley
The future of Russia's arms industry appear bleak.
How America Can Keep From Losing in the South China Sea
By Tuan N. Pham
Washington is losing ground in the South China Sea, and risks making the situation lasting unless America imposes “real” strategic costs to China.
North Korea Carries Out Sixth Nuclear Test of Claimed Two-Stage Thermonuclear Bomb
By Ankit Panda
North Korea claims to have tested a two-stage thermonuclear device ready for use in an ICBM.
The United States Has Not Lost the South China Sea
By Tuan N. Pham
Despite some setbacks, the United States has not lost influence in the vital waterway.
Did North Korea's Latest Missile Not Fly As Far As Intended?
By Ankit Panda
The missile that flew over Japan may not have flown to its intended impact point.